Kwara senator Saliu Mustapha secures PDP senatorial ticket hours after leaving APC

The Kwara State Chairman of the PDP, Issa Bawa, formally presented the ticket to Mustapha, confirming his candidacy for the 2027 general elections. Mustapha's resignation from the APC was attributed to recent developments within the party in Kwara State, following consultations with stakeholders and constituents. He stated his decision was guided by his belief that politics should align with the interests of the people and principles.

Mustapha thanked the APC leadership, including President Bola Tinubu, and assured his constituents that his change of political platform would not affect his commitment to serving Kwara Central. This move follows earlier reports of a deepening crisis within the Kwara State APC and Mustapha's consideration of defection after his defeat in the party's governorship primary and his inability to secure the APC's Kwara Central senatorial ticket. The PDP's Kwara Central senatorial ticket was reportedly being reserved for him, with the party's then-candidate, Yinka Otukoko, indicating a willingness to relinquish it.

Mustapha's emergence as the PDP candidate sets the stage for a contested battle against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the APC candidate for the district, in the 2027 general elections.