Post Primary: Senator Mustapha Reaffirms Loyalty to APC

Lawmaker representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Saliu Mustapha, has moved to reinforce unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid lingering tensions following the party’s controversial governorship primary. He declared that the ruling party remains “the party to beat” in Nigeria and Kwara State. Mustapha spoke in Ilorin shortly after receiving a massive welcome […]

Lawmaker representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Saliu Mustapha, has moved to reinforce unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid lingering tensions following the party’s controversial governorship primary.

He declared that the ruling party remains “the party to beat” in Nigeria and Kwara State.

Mustapha spoke in Ilorin shortly after receiving a massive welcome from supporters, APC loyalists and political associates who thronged the airport and major roads in the state capital ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The senator’s remarks came days after the APC governorship primary generated sharp political debates and protests following the emergence of Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

This is his first comment since the conduct of the party’s primary held weekend in the state.

Speaking with journalists after paying homage to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Mustapha described the reception as an expression of genuine love from the people.

“I am so happy to come home and be received in this manner. It is a sign of true love from the people of Kwara. Money cannot buy this; it is the will of Allah,” he said.

Reaffirming confidence in the ruling party despite recent internal disagreements, the senator maintained that the APC still enjoys overwhelming grassroots support across the state.

“The APC is the party to beat. A united and strong APC cannot be matched by any political party in Kwara State,” Mustapha stated.

According to him, “I see great prospects for the party as we continue to support the good work already started by both the state and federal governments, especially under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”

The APC primary had exposed divisions within the ruling party after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq supported the speaker over Mustapha and Yahaya Seriki.

There were talks that the primary may cause disagreement within the party.

But the senator’s latest public outing and strong endorsement of the APC may help calm tensions within parts of the party ahead of further political consultations and reconciliation efforts.

“The love I have been shown by the people of Kwara is beyond what words can express. It is something I feel deeply within me. May Allah continue to bless our community and Kwara State,” the senator added.

At the palace, the Emir of Ilorin commended Mustapha for his loyalty to the emirate and commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

The monarch said the emirate remained proud of the senator’s achievements and prayed for continued wisdom and success in his service to the people.