Mustapha picks PDP Kwara Central ticket hours after dumping APC

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Senator Salihu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the 10th National Assembly, has picked the Peoples Democratic Party’s ticket to seek re-election, hours after resigning from the All Progressives Congress.

Mustapha picked up the PDP nomination form at the party’s national secretariat in Wadata, Abuja, on Friday, accompanied by the Kwara State PDP Chairman, Issa Bawa.

The development came less than 24 hours after the senator announced his resignation from the APC, citing recent developments within the party and his decision to chart a new political course.

According to a source in the PDP, Mustapha is currently the sole candidate for the Kwara Central senatorial ticket after the party’s initial placeholder, Yinka Otukoko, voluntarily withdrew from the race.

Consequently, Mustapha is expected to face Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who is also seeking the Kwara Central senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections after serving as governor of the state.

In a statement shared after obtaining the PDP ticket, Mustapha said his political journey had entered a new chapter with the party as he sought another term representing the people of Kwara Central.

He expressed appreciation to the PDP leadership and members for the confidence reposed in him, as well as the people of Kwara Central for their continued trust and support.

Mustapha added that he remained committed to serving his constituents, saying, “Together, we move forward with greater commitment and determination to serve.”