12 Kwara APC Ward Officials Exit Party Following Senator Mustapha's Defection

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State is currently grappling with a significant loss as twelve executive members from Gambari Ward 1 in Ilorin East Local Government Area have resigned their positions and party membership. This mass defection closely follows the departure of Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central, from the ruling party in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

Within hours of Senator Mustapha's announcement, the ward chairman, Aliyu Abdulhakeem, and the secretary, Abdulwaheed Adanla, individually submitted their resignation letters. Both officials communicated their decisions to Habib Ajibola, the APC Chairman for Ilorin East Local Government Area, on Friday. Subsequently, ten additional members of the ward executive collectively tendered a joint resignation letter, which was obtained by The PUNCH on Saturday.

In their joint statement, the resigning executives declared, “We, the concerned executive members of Gambari Ward 1 hereby formally resign from our posts as well as membership of the All Progressives Congress.” They further elaborated on their decision, stating, “The decision was reached after careful consideration for the best interest of our beloved ward. We thank the party for the platform given to serve.”

The list of the ten other officials who resigned includes Olayinka Odunlami (Treasurer), Kelani Kola Saheed (Auditor-General), Bube Lukman (Legal Adviser), Adebayo Kazeem (Assistant Auditor-General), Muhammed Yunus Idowu (Assistant Treasurer), Ganiyu Taiye Ofide (Assistant Youth Leader), Alhaja Iyalanki (Assistant Women Leader), Muhammed Abdullahi O. (Assistant Secretary), Olabowu Tosho (Assistant Financial Secretary), and Umar Abubakar Hajj (Assistant Organising Secretary).

These former APC executives have indicated their intention to join Senator Mustapha in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They plan to align with what they termed an "emerging rainbow coalition" as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.

In his personal resignation letter, Aliyu Abdulhakeem stated his decision to step down from his role as ward chairman and withdraw his APC membership, citing "personal reasons best known to me" after "careful consideration and due reflection." He expressed gratitude for the support received during his tenure, adding, “I remain grateful for the experiences and relationships built during my time in the party.”

Similarly, Abdulwaheed Adanla, in his resignation letter dated Friday, confirmed his withdrawal from both his secretarial position and the APC. Adanla noted that his decision was made after "careful consideration" and thanked the party for the opportunity to serve. He affirmed, “During my tenure, I did my best to uphold the constitution of the party and to advance the interests of APC in Gambari Ward 1.” Adanla also committed to handing over all party documents, records, stamps, and other properties to the appropriate authorities.

Senator Mustapha had earlier announced his departure from the APC on Thursday, via a resignation letter dated August 14, addressed to the chairman of Gambari Ward 1. His decision, he explained, followed extensive consultations with constituents, supporters, and other stakeholders, citing "recent developments within the Kwara APC and concerns over the party’s leadership in the state." Following his exit, Senator Mustapha promptly joined the PDP and secured the party’s ticket to contest for re-election as the senator representing Kwara Central in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The resignations of these twelve ward executives represent an immediate political fallout from Senator Mustapha’s move. It remains to be seen whether more APC officials and supporters across Kwara Central will follow suit. With the 2027 elections drawing closer, this development is poised to significantly influence political dynamics and potentially set the stage for a highly competitive senatorial race in Kwara Central.