Saliu Mustapha, the lawmaker representing Kwara Central in the Senate, has joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to seek re-election in 2027.

Mr Mustapha’s announcement on Friday followed his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) after losing the party’s governorship ticket to Salihu Yakubu-Danladi. 

Mr Yakubu-Danladi is the speaker of the Kwara assembly.

“Today, I begin a new chapter with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as I pick up the party’s ticket to seek re-election as the Senator representing Kwara Central in 2027,” the lawmaker stated on Friday.

Mr Mustapha thanked the leadership and members of the PDP for the confidence placed in him, and his constituents for their continued trust and support.

“Together, we move forward with greater commitment and determination to serve,” he added.

Earlier, Mr Mustapha, in a letter dated August 14, 2026 and addressed to the ward chairman of the party in Gambari Ward 1 llorin East council area, exited the APC over party leadership in the state.

The lawmaker, who is also the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, noted that recent developments within the APC in Kwara, particularly the party’s leadership in the state, departed from the founding core principles of collective unity and internal democracy on which the APC was built.

“I believe political leadership must be anchored on integrity, competence, accountability and a sincere commitment to the collective interest of the people. The current leadership of the party in Kwara State has fallen short of these standards, and this has eroded my confidence in them,” Mr Mustapha added.