PDP mocks Kwara APC over Saliu Mustapha’s resignation

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has mocked the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, following the resignation of the senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha, from the party.

 

The PDP described the senator’s exit as evidence of what it called deepening divisions and leadership failure within the Kwara APC.

 

Mustapha, a founding member of the APC, announced his resignation in a letter dated August 14 and addressed to the chairman of Gambari Ward I in Ilorin East Local Government Area.

 

He cited recent developments within the Kwara APC as the reason for his decision, after weeks of consultations with stakeholders, supporters and constituents across Kwara Central.

 

Reacting in a statement on Friday, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, said the resignation of the serving senator had further exposed divisions within the ruling party.

 

“Governor AbdulRazaq has failed his party just as he has failed the people of Kwara State. He now presides over a party that is fatally fractured, internally weakened and increasingly rejected by ordinary Kwarans,” Adewara said.

 

The opposition party described Mustapha’s resignation as more than an individual political decision, arguing that it reflected a wider crisis within the APC.

 

“The resignation of Senator Saliu Mustapha is not an ordinary political development; it is a loud confirmation that the leadership crisis in the APC has reached a dangerous and irreversible stage,” the PDP said.

 

The party also alleged that Governor AbdulRazaq had failed to unite prominent political figures in the state, accusing him of treating perceived political rivals as threats.

 

The PDP further referenced the recent resignation of the Haske of Lafiagi, Ambassador Kolo Jiya, and other APC members from Kwara North as evidence of declining confidence in the governor’s leadership.

 

It urged other APC members dissatisfied with the party’s direction to follow Mustapha’s example and leave the party.

 

Meanwhile, Mustapha’s next political destination remains uncertain, although there has been speculation that he could align with the PDP.

 

In his resignation letter, the senator said his decision was based on the need to remain faithful to his political principles and the interests of his constituents.

 

“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 President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership for the relationships and experiences he gained during his membership of the party.

 

He also assured his constituents that his resignation would not affect his commitment to serving them.

 

“While my political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged,” he said.

 

The development comes amid growing political realignments in Kwara ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The Kwara APC spokesperson, Babatunde Olawale, said the party had yet to issue an official reaction to Mustapha’s resignation, adding that its position would be communicated in due course.