Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing concerns over recent developments within the party in Kwara State.
Mustapha, who is also the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, announced his resignation in a letter dated August 14, 2026, addressed to the APC Ward Chairman in Gambari Ward 1, Ilorin East Local Government Area.
In the letter, the senator said his decision followed weeks of careful consideration, extensive consultations with constituents, supporters, political stakeholders and other well-meaning Kwarans.
According to Mustapha, he joined the APC as a founding member with a commitment to the party’s ideals of good governance, unity and service to the people. However, he said recent developments, particularly within the APC leadership in Kwara State, had caused him to lose confidence in the direction of the party.
He maintained that political leadership should be guided by integrity, competence, accountability and commitment to the collective interest of the people, adding that the current situation in Kwara had fallen short of those standards.
“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,” Mustapha stated.
Despite his resignation, the senator said his departure from the APC would not affect his commitment to his constituents or the people of Kwara State.
He expressed gratitude to the APC leadership, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the relationships and experiences he had gained during his years 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.
Mustapha further assured his supporters, constituents, political associates and stakeholders that although his political platform may change, his principles, purpose and commitment to public service would remain unchanged.
He declared that he would continue to serve the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria “with integrity, dedication and in the best interest of humanity.”
The resignation marks a significant political development in Kwara State and is likely to generate further discussion about the political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
