Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, while citing a divergence between the party’s recent direction and the principles and aspirations he holds for his constituents.
Mustapha announced his resignation on Friday in a statement titled “Notice of Resignation as a Member of the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, where he said the decision followed weeks of consultations with political stakeholders, supporters, constituents, and other Kwarans.
The senator did not disclose the specific developments within the Kwara APC that prompted his departure. He instead framed the decision around political alignment; he said he could no longer remain on a platform that, in his assessment, did not sufficiently reflect the interests and expectations of the people he represents.
“As a politician, I have always believed that politics must be about people, principles and purpose,” Mustapha said.
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He added that where a political platform ceased to align with those convictions and the aspirations of the electorate, “the honourable thing to do is to chart a new course.”
The resignation marks a significant political development in Kwara Central where Mustapha has built his political career within the APC and served as a prominent figure in the state’s political structure.
Despite leaving the party, the senator expressed appreciation to the APC leadership, including President Bola Tinubu, for the relationships and experiences he said he had gained during his years in the party.
He said, “To the leadership of the APC ably led by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I express my deepest gratitude for the relationships and experiences I have been afforded over the years.”
Mustapha also sought to draw a distinction between changing political affiliation and abandoning his political commitments.
He told his constituents, supporters, and political associates that his departure from the APC would not alter his stated commitment to Kwara Central or the state.
He said, “While my political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged.”
The senator further pledged to continue serving Kwara Central, Kwara State, and Nigeria, although he did not indicate in the statement which political platform, if any, he intends to join.
His decision could therefore leave questions over the next phase of his political career, particularly as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For now, Mustapha has presented his resignation as a matter of political conviction rather than personal disagreement, placing emphasis on the need for a platform that corresponds with the interests of the people he represents.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to public service: that he would continue to serve the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State, and Nigeria.
