Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Kwara Central have dismissed the defection of Senator Saliu Mustapha to the Peoples Democratic Party, saying the development would not affect the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The stakeholders, comprising APC members in Gambari Ward 1, Ilorin East Local Government Area, and the 51 ward chairmen in Kwara Central Senatorial District, reaffirmed their support for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

They described Mustapha’s exit as the decision of an individual and maintained that the APC remained firmly rooted across the senatorial district.

The party leaders also pledged their continued loyalty to AbdulRazaq, saying his leadership had contributed to the development of the state and strengthened the APC’s political structure.

Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central in the Senate, recently left the APC for the PDP amid disagreements within the ruling party over the 2027 elections. He had earlier lost the APC governorship primary and subsequently lost the party’s ticket for the Kwara Central senatorial seat to AbdulRazaq.

His defection followed growing political realignments in the state, with the senator and members of the G15 bloc accusing the APC leadership of marginalisation and alleged imposition of candidates.

The APC stakeholders, however, said the development would not derail the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

They urged party members to remain united and focused on delivering victory for the APC at the state and federal levels.

The stakeholders also appealed to supporters to disregard what they described as attempts to create the impression that the senator’s departure had weakened the party’s structure in Kwara Central.

They expressed confidence that the APC would retain its influence in the state and continue to support the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.