Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central in the National Assembly, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing concerns over the direction of the party’s leadership in Kwara State.
Mustapha announced his decision in a resignation letter dated August 14, 2026, addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Gambari Ward 1 in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The senator said his resignation followed several weeks of consultations with his constituents, supporters, political associates, party stakeholders and other well-meaning Kwarans.
Mustapha said he joined the APC as a founding member because of its stated commitment to good governance, unity and service to the people.
However, he expressed disappointment with what he described as a departure from those principles under the current leadership of the party in Kwara State.
“However, recent developments within the APC in our State, particularly the leadership of the Party in Kwara State, have departed from the founding core principles of collective unity and internal democracy on which the APC was built,” he said.
According to the senator, the developments have affected his confidence in the party’s leadership at the state level.
Mustapha said political leadership should be guided by integrity, competence, accountability and commitment to the interests of the people.
He argued that the current leadership of the APC in Kwara had not met those standards.
“I believe political leadership must be anchored on integrity, competence, accountability and a sincere commitment to the collective interest of the people. The current leadership of the Party in Kwara State has fallen short of these standards and this have eroded my confidence in them,” he said.
The lawmaker stressed that his decision to leave the APC was not made hastily.
He said it followed “careful reflection and extensive consultations” with stakeholders and people across his senatorial district.
The senator explained that his decision was guided by his belief that politics should remain focused on people, principles and purpose.
“As a politician, I have always believed that politics must be about people, principles and purpose. Where the path of a political platform no longer sufficiently aligns with these convictions and the aspirations of the people one represents, the honourable thing to do is to chart a new course.
“I assure you that while my political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged,” he said.
Mustapha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership for the relationships and experiences he gained during his time in the party.
“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,” the lawmaker said.
Despite his resignation, Mustapha assured his constituents that his departure from the APC would not affect his commitment to public service.
“I remain fully committed to serving the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria with integrity, dedication and in the best interest of humanity,” he said.
Mustapha’s resignation comes months after he contested the APC governorship primary in Kwara State.
In May 2026, he sought the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 governorship election but lost to the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
His resignation now marks a significant political development in Kwara State as parties and political figures begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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