Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing concerns over recent developments in the party in Kwara State.
Mustapha announced his resignation in a notice dated August 14, 2026, addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Gambari Ward 1, Ilorin East Local Government Area, alongside a separate statement explaining his decision.
In the resignation letter, the senator said he reached the decision after “careful reflection and extensive consultations” with his constituents and key stakeholders.
Mustapha, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said recent developments within the party in Kwara State had moved away from what he described as its founding principles.
“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.
He also questioned the standard of political leadership in the state, saying, “I believe political leadership must be anchored on integrity, competence, accountability and a sincere commitment to the collective interest of the people.”
The senator said the current leadership of the APC in Kwara State had “fallen short of these standards” and that this had eroded his confidence in the party’s state leadership.
In his separate notice, Mustapha said his resignation followed weeks of consultations with stakeholders, supporters, constituents across Kwara Central Senatorial District and other well-meaning Kwarans.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly,” he said, stressing that his political decision was guided by his convictions about people, principles and purpose.
He said he was prepared to move in a new direction where his political platform no longer sufficiently reflected those convictions and the aspirations of the people he represents.
“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,” Mustapha said.
The senator also assured his supporters and constituents that his departure from the APC would not affect his commitment to public service.
“While my political platform may change, my principles, my purpose and my commitment to the people remain unchanged,” he added.
Mustapha, who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, said he remained committed to serving Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria.