ILORIN — Monday
The senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, is reportedly weighing the option of dumping the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources close to the senator and to the PDP told _Punch_ on Monday that discussions over a possible defection have intensified in recent days.
Mustapha, who currently holds the seat on the APC platform, is said to be reviewing his political future following his loss in the party’s governorship primary, failure to secure the Kwara Central senatorial ticket, and internal disagreements within the ruling party.
Possible PDP TicketParty insiders said the PDP may consider offering Mustapha its Kwara Central senatorial ticket if he joins the party.
Such a move would likely set up a direct contest between him and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is expected to fly the APC flag for the district.Speculation grew on Monday after a comment attributed to the PDP’s Kwara Central senatorial candidate, Yinka Otukoko.
Responding to a post on a popular WhatsApp platform, _Kwara Commission_, Otukoko was quoted as saying: “My ticket is for either Saliu Mustapha of G15 or Mashood Mustapha.”The comment was interpreted by party stakeholders as a signal that the PDP is open to accommodating Mustapha.
Meeting With Saraki Fuels Speculation A recent meeting between Mustapha and former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, at the Ilorin International Airport further fuelled talk of a political realignment.A PDP source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said discussions were still at an exploratory stage.
“Conversations are going on, but the situation is still fluid. Saliu is weighing his options, and several people are talking to him.
“The issue is not just the governorship primary; there are also concerns about what happens to the Kwara Central Senate seat and his political future in the APC,” the source said.
Another insider claimed that talks had also taken place between the Saraki political structure and members of the G15, with two senatorial tickets reportedly being considered for the group.
“Mustapha has federal connections, name recognition, funding and a structure that can compete ward for ward with the governor,” the source added.As of press time, Senator Mustapha had not issued an official statement on the reported defection plans.
