Nigerian senator set to dump APC
The senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, may be considering leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mustapha, who currently represents the district on the APC platform, is reportedly reviewing his political future following his defeat in the party’s governorship primary, failure to secure the Kwara Central senatorial ticket and disagreements within the ruling party.
Sources close to the senator and the PDP told Punch on Monday that discussions surrounding a possible defection had intensified in recent days.
It was also gathered that the PDP could consider handing Mustapha its Kwara Central senatorial ticket if he eventually joins the party.
Such a move could set up a direct contest between him and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is expected to fly the APC flag for the senatorial district.
Speculation over Mustapha’s possible move increased on Monday following a comment attributed to the PDP’s Kwara Central senatorial candidate, Yinka Otukoko.
Responding to a post on a popular WhatsApp platform, Kwara Commission, Otukoko was quoted as saying, “My ticket is for either Saliu Mustapha of G15 or Mashood Mustapha.”
Party insiders interpreted the comment as an indication that the PDP might be willing to accommodate Mustapha should he decide to leave the APC.
A recent meeting between Mustapha and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at the Ilorin International Airport also fuelled speculation about possible political realignment.
A PDP source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the matter, said discussions were still at an exploratory stage.
The source said, “Conversations are going on, but the situation is still fluid. Saliu is weighing his options, and several people are talking to him.
“The issue is not just the governorship primary; there are also concerns about what happens to the Kwara Central Senate seat and his political future in the APC.”
Another party insider claimed that discussions had taken place between the Saraki political structure and members of the G15, with two senatorial tickets reportedly being considered for the group.
The source added, “Mustapha has federal connections, name recognition, funding and a structure that can compete ward for ward with the governor.”
