Here, Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka writes that Senator Saliu Mustapha’s resignation from APC has turned Kwara Central into the early epicenter of the 2027 contest. With Gov. AbdulRazaq eyeing the Senate, is Kwara heading for a repeat of “O to ge”?
Senator Saliu Mustapha’s resignation letter to APC Gambari Ward 1 was short, but the implications are long. He cited loss of internal democracy and departure from APC’s founding principles in Kwara.
Mustapha lost the May 22 APC governorship primary to Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu who polled 94,990 votes. Mustapha was among those calling for a review, alongside Senators Ashiru and Umar.
Compounding the loss is the emergence of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as APC’s preferred candidate for Kwara Central Senate in 2027. He reportedly bought the only nomination form, setting up a direct succession plan post-governorship.
For a founding APC member like Mustapha, this is more than a ticket loss. It’s about political relevance. The governor’s move to the Senate seat effectively closes the door on Mustapha’s return in 2027 under APC.
Media reports say Mustapha is considering the Peoples Democratic Party. If he defects, he will be contesting directly against AbdulRazaq for the same Senate seat, a high-stakes, personal duel.
The party leadership in Kwara appears to be consolidating around the governor. By backing AbdulRazaq for Senate, APC secures a big name to hold Kwara Central, but risks alienating other founding members.
Mustapha’s claim that the party has “fallen short” on integrity and collective interest resonates with other aggrieved aspirants. The June call for reconciliation by the 3 Kwara senators shows the grievance is not isolated.
For PDP, Mustapha’s defection would be a major boost. He brings name recognition, a senatorial structure, and the “founding APC member” narrative that can be used to paint APC as intolerant.
Kwara politics is defined by upsets. 2019’s “O to ge” movement ousted the Saraki dynasty. A Mustapha vs AbdulRazaq 2027 race could create a similar realignment, with PDP hoping to leverage anti-establishment sentiment.
While the immediate fight is for Senate, Mustapha’s initial target was Government House. A Senate run under PDP could be a strategic base to challenge APC’s hold on Kwara in 2027 and beyond.
Mustapha’s statement emphasized integrity and competence. That messaging will likely be his campaign anchor against AbdulRazaq, who will campaign on incumbency and governor’s record.
Defecting means rebuilding structure under PDP in less than 2 years. He must convince voters that his move is principle-based, not just about losing a primary.
Losing a sitting senator and founding member hurts APC’s “unity” narrative. It also signals to other aspirants that the party is narrowing its space to one power center.
Kwara Central voters will weigh two things: continuity with AbdulRazaq’s government projects vs. the appeal of a fresh, aggrieved insider promising accountability. The Bigger Picture: This is not just about one seat. How APC handles Mustapha’s exit will determine if more stakeholders jump ship. How PDP receives him will determine if it can truly reposition in Kwara.
With 2027 still 18 months away, expect more consultations. Mustapha says he remains committed to serving Kwara Central. The platform he chooses will define whether that service is from inside APC or as the face of PDP’s comeback in Kwara.
