Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing prolonged internal crisis and concerns over the leadership of the party in Kwara State.
Mustapha announced his resignation in a letter dated August 14, 2026, addressed to the APC ward chairman of Gambari Ward 1 in Ilorin East Local Government Area of the state.
The senator also shared the resignation letter on his X account late Thursday, saying the decision followed weeks of consultations with his constituents, supporters and other stakeholders across the state.
“I hereby formally resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective immediately,” he stated.
Mustapha said he joined the APC as a founding member because of his belief in its commitment to good governance, unity and service to the people.
He, however, said recent developments within the party in Kwara State, particularly the conduct of its state leadership, had deviated from the principles upon which the APC was established.
“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 lawmaker, the situation had significantly undermined his confidence in the party's state leadership.
Mustapha said political leadership should be based on integrity, competence, accountability and a genuine commitment to the collective interest of the people.
“I believe political leadership must be anchored on integrity, competence, accountability and a sincere commitment to the collective interest of the people,” he said.
“The current leadership of the Party in Kwara State has fallen short of these standards and this have eroded my confidence in them.”
Explaining the decision further, the senator said he had engaged extensively with political stakeholders, supporters and constituents before reaching the conclusion to leave the APC.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly. It follows weeks of extensive consultations and engagements with relevant stakeholders, my supporters, constituents across Kwara Central Senatorial District, and well-meaning Kwarans,” he said.
Mustapha said his decision was also informed by his conviction that political parties should serve as platforms for advancing the interests and aspirations of the people.
“As a politician, I have always believed that politics must be about people, principles and purpose,” he said.
“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.”
Despite his resignation, Mustapha expressed appreciation to the national leadership of the APC, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the relationships and experiences he had gained while 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,” he said.
The senator also assured his constituents and supporters that leaving the APC would not diminish his commitment to representing 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.
“I remain steadfast in my service to the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.”
Mustapha chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development and has represented Kwara Central in the National Assembly.
Leave a Reply