In a video sighted by newsmen on Friday, the ticket was presented to Mustapha by the Kwara State PDP Chairman, Issa Bawa, formally confirming him as the party’s candidate for the district ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development came hours after Mustapha, who is also the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate, announced his resignation from the APC, citing recent developments within the party in Kwara State.
In a resignation letter obtained on Thursday, the senator said his decision followed weeks of consultations with stakeholders, supporters, constituents and other well-meaning Kwarans.
Mustapha said his decision was guided by his belief that politics should be driven by 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.
He thanked the APC leadership, led by President Bola Tinubu, for the relationships and experiences he gained while in the party.
Mustapha also assured his constituents and supporters that his change of political platform would not affect his commitment to serving the people of Kwara Central.
“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.
The development follows months of political tension within the Kwara State APC, with Mustapha previously reported to be considering a defection to the PDP.
His political options had reportedly been influenced by his defeat in the APC governorship primary, his inability to secure the party’s Kwara Central senatorial ticket and disagreements within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The possibility of Mustapha joining the PDP had gained traction in recent weeks after political associates hinted that the party was prepared to accommodate him.
The political calculations intensified on August 12 following the emergence of billboards bearing the image and messages of former federal lawmaker Mashood Mustapha, popularly known as MM, fuelling speculation over the PDP’s eventual candidate for Kwara Central.
A senior PDP stakeholder had subsequently identified Mashood Mustapha as a possible candidate, although the party had yet to make a final decision at the time.
However, Friday’s development has altered the political calculations, with Saliu Mustapha now formally holding the PDP ticket for Kwara Central.
His emergence sets the stage for a potentially keenly contested battle against the APC candidate, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in the 2027 general elections.
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