Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, has secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial ticket for the district, just hours after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP Kwara State chairman, Issa Bawa, presented the ticket to Mustapha on Friday, formally making him the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.
Mustapha, who is also the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate, announced his resignation from the APC earlier in the day, citing recent developments within the party in Kwara State.
In his resignation letter, he said he made the decision after consultations with political stakeholders, supporters, constituents and other Kwarans.
He said his decision was based on his belief that politics should focus on the interests of the people, principles and a clear sense of 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,” he said.
Mustapha thanked APC leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, for the relationships and experiences he gained while in the party.
He also assured the people of Kwara Central that leaving the APC would not change his commitment to serving them.
“To my constituents, supporters, political associates and stakeholders in Kwara State and beyond, 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’s defection had been widely expected following growing tensions within the Kwara APC.
He had reportedly been considering the move after losing the party’s governorship primary and facing uncertainty over the APC’s Kwara Central senatorial ticket.
Earlier, there had also been speculation that the PDP was keeping its Kwara Central ticket for him.