Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing concerns over the leadership and internal affairs 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 Kwara State.
The senator, who shared the resignation letter on his X handle late Thursday, said the decision followed weeks of consultations with his constituents, supporters, political associates and other stakeholders across the state.
“I hereby formally resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective immediately,” Mustapha stated in the letter.
The lawmaker said he joined the APC as a founding member because of his commitment to the party’s principles of good governance, unity and service to the people.
However, he said recent developments within the APC in Kwara State, particularly the manner in which the party was being led at the state level, had departed from the principles upon which the party was founded.
“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.
Mustapha said the development had eroded his confidence in the current leadership of the party in the state.
“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 has eroded my confidence in them.”
In a separate statement accompanying the resignation letter, Mustapha stressed that his decision was not taken lightly.
“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.
The senator said his decision was guided by his belief that political platforms must reflect the interests and aspirations of the people they represent.
“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, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the relationships and experiences he 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.
He also assured his constituents and supporters that leaving the APC would not affect 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,” Mustapha said.
“I remain steadfast in my service to the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria at large.”
Mustapha is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development and represents Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.