The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State is facing a major internal crisis, as the once-cordial relationship between Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Senator Saliu Mustapha has reportedly turned sour, sparking fears of a significant political fallout ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite repeated interventions from the party’s national leadership, Daily Independent has learnt that the rift between the two political heavyweights continues to widen, threatening party unity in the state.
Naija News reports that Governor AbdulRazaq and Senator Mustapha, who jointly delivered massive votes for the APC in the 2023 elections, are now locked in a quiet but fierce political battle.
While neither camp has publicly explained the cause of the cold war, party insiders who spoke with Daily Independent point to the struggle for control of the Kwara APC structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
With AbdulRazaq serving his final term, he is believed to be working behind the scenes to install loyalists in key positions, including the senatorial ticket for Kwara Central, currently held by Mustapha, who is reportedly eyeing a second term.
A senior party source disclosed, “The governor is keen on determining who succeeds him and who represents Kwara Central. That has not gone down well with the senator’s camp.”
The tension between the two camps boiled over recently during preparations for a Distinguished Personality Lecture held in honour of Senator Mustapha by the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ilorin.
Though the lecture, delivered by former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, focused on national development and livestock policy, insiders say attempts were made to sabotage the event.
A senior academic familiar with the matter revealed, “Until the last minute, there was pressure on the university to postpone the event. The excuse was that the governor wished to attend at a later date, but many saw through the ploy.”
University officials reportedly declined to cancel the event without a formal directive from the governor or the president, and the lecture proceeded as planned.
The senator’s camp believes the interference was part of a broader effort to suppress Mustapha’s growing political profile.
“In today’s Kwara politics, people are afraid to be seen openly supporting Senator Mustapha, for fear of backlash from the governor’s camp,” a key APC insider revealed
Political observers interpret the incident as an attempt to cut down Mustapha’s influence ahead of 2027. A party strategist noted, “This is no longer just a personality clash, it’s a full-blown power struggle for the future of APC in Kwara.”
APC Faces Tough Choices
Multiple sources within the APC confirmed that party elders and the presidency had attempted to mediate, but the feud has proven difficult to resolve.
An Abuja-based source close to the APC national caucus said, “It’s shocking that despite earlier interventions, the rift has only grown worse. If not handled carefully, it may cost the APC dearly.”
With Senator Mustapha enjoying significant grassroots support, national goodwill, and deep ties within the APC establishment, analysts believe his political influence cannot be easily dismissed.
As political activities gradually build toward 2027, pressure is mounting on the APC leadership, both in Kwara and at the national level, to broker peace before the feud destabilises the party’s base.
A party chieftain warned, “What is happening between the governor and Senator Mustapha is not just a disagreement. It’s a looming political earthquake that could shake the APC to its foundation in Kwara State.”
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