The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has criticised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the All Progressives Congress following the resignation of Senator Saliu Mustapha from the ruling party.

Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District, announced his resignation in a letter dated August 14 and addressed to the chairman of Gambari Ward I in Ilorin East Local Government Area.

The senator, a founding member of the APC, said his decision followed recent developments within the party in Kwara State and came after weeks of consultations with stakeholders, supporters and constituents.

He said his decision was based on his belief that politics should be driven by the interests of the people, principles and purpose.

“Where the path of a political platform no longer sufficiently aligns with these convictions and the aspirations of the people one represents, the honourable thing to do is to chart a new course,” Mustapha said.

Reacting to the resignation, the PDP described it as evidence of what it called deepening divisions and leadership problems within the Kwara APC. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, accused AbdulRazaq of failing to unite the party and retain prominent leaders.

“Governor AbdulRazaq has failed his party just as he has failed the people of Kwara State,” Adewara said, describing the APC as “fatally fractured” and increasingly losing support among residents.

The PDP also referenced the recent resignation of Ambassador Kolo Jiya and other APC stakeholders in Kwara North, arguing that the developments reflected growing dissatisfaction with the governor’s leadership.

However, the APC has yet to issue an official response to Mustapha’s resignation. The party’s spokesperson, Babatunde Olawale, said its position would be communicated in due course, while efforts to obtain a response from the governor were unsuccessful.

Mustapha, who is also the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate, thanked President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership for the relationships and experiences he gained in the party. He also assured his constituents that his political platform might change, but his commitment to serving them remained unchanged.

His next political move has not been announced, although the resignation has fuelled speculation about possible political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.