Crisis Rocks Kwara APC As Senator Mustapha Eyes PDP Defection

• Fresh cracks have emerged within the Kwara APC as Senator Saliu Mustapha reportedly weighs dumping the ruling party for the PDP amid deepening internal disagreements ahead of the 2027 elections.

• The senator’s possible defection could ignite a high-stakes political battle against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the Kwara Central Senate seat, reshaping the state’s electoral landscape.

• Speculation intensified after reports of ongoing talks with PDP leaders, a meeting with former Senate President Bukola Saraki and claims that the opposition may be willing to hand Mustapha its senatorial ticket.

• While the PDP has dismissed claims that its ticket has already been reserved, political analysts believe any alliance involving Mustapha, the Saraki political structure and the G15 bloc could significantly weaken the APC’s grip on Kwara.

August 11, () — Fresh indications of a widening crack within the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have emerged ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, reportedly considering a defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a series of political setbacks within the ruling party.

Multiple sources familiar with the development disclosed that the senator has intensified consultations with political allies and stakeholders as he weighs his next move after losing the APC governorship primary and failing to secure the party’s ticket for the Kwara Central Senatorial District.

gathered that discussions between Mustapha’s camp and influential figures within the PDP have gained momentum in recent days, with opposition leaders said to be exploring the possibility of accommodating the senator should he formally sever ties with the APC.

Speculation over Mustapha’s future gathered fresh momentum after a message attributed to the PDP’s Kwara Central senatorial candidate, Yinka Otukoko, surfaced on a popular political WhatsApp platform, suggesting that the party’s ticket could eventually be ceded to either Senator Mustapha or former lawmaker Mashood Mustapha.

Although the authenticity of the message remains disputed, it was widely interpreted in political circles as a signal that the PDP was prepared to make strategic concessions in pursuit of a broader coalition capable of challenging the APC in the state.

The rumours were further fuelled by a recent meeting between Senator Mustapha and former Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Ilorin International Airport. While neither camp disclosed the purpose of the meeting, political actors have continued to speculate that it formed part of wider consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

A senior PDP source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that discussions were ongoing but stressed that no final agreement had been reached.

According to the source, the conversations extend beyond the governorship contest and centre on Mustapha’s long-term political future, including the battle for the Kwara Central Senate seat.

Another insider claimed that meetings involving the Saraki political camp and members of the G15 had explored possible arrangements that could integrate influential APC defectors into the PDP’s electoral strategy.

The source maintained that Mustapha remains one of the state’s most formidable political figures, citing his grassroots network, financial capacity and political influence across the district.

However, the PDP has distanced itself from claims that its senatorial ticket has already been earmarked for the APC senator.

The party’s Publicity Secretary in Kwara State, Olusegun Adewara, dismissed the viral WhatsApp message, insisting it did not represent the official position of the PDP. He explained that Otukoko’s WhatsApp account had previously been compromised and urged members of the public to disregard the statement.

Adewara added that although political consultations and alliance-building were common features of electioneering, the speculation surrounding the party’s ticket should not be interpreted as evidence of a concluded political arrangement.

Commenting on the unfolding developments, Ilorin-based public affairs analyst Abdulrasaq Olanrewaju said the reports reflected the realities of coalition Politics ahead of major elections rather than confirmation of a completed deal.

He noted that political parties routinely negotiate with influential blocs and individuals to strengthen their electoral prospects, arguing that any eventual alliance involving Mustapha would significantly alter the balance of power in Kwara Central.

According to him, a successful defection by the senator could boost the PDP’s chances of reclaiming political relevance in the state while presenting the APC with one of its toughest electoral tests since assuming power in Kwara.

Efforts to obtain official reactions from Senator Mustapha and the Kwara APC were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. However, a source close to the senator confirmed that “different options are being considered”, while insisting that no final decision had been taken regarding a possible defection.

had reported the crisis within the Kwara APC before Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, emerged as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections