APC’s Kwara Crisis: A Brewing Battle of Ambitions Between Governor AbdulRazaq and Senator Mustapha

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State is grappling with an escalating internal crisis that threatens to unravel its unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The once-amicable relationship between Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Senator Saliu Mustapha has deteriorated into a quiet yet intense power struggle, setting the stage for a potential political earthquake in the ruling party.

The source of the rift, while not officially declared, revolves around the battle for control over the Kwara APC structure as 2027 approaches. With Governor AbdulRazaq in his second and final term, insiders say he is strategically positioning his loyalists for key political offices, especially the senatorial ticket for Kwara Central—currently occupied by Mustapha, who is reportedly eyeing a return.

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Power Struggle Clouds Kwara APC’s Future

The intensity of the feud became evident during the buildup to a Distinguished Personality Lecture at the University of Ilorin, held in Senator Mustapha’s honor. Although the event was designed to spotlight national policy issues—featuring former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega as guest lecturer—it was nearly derailed. Reports indicate efforts were made to pressure the university to postpone the lecture under the guise of scheduling conflicts with the governor.

However, university officials stood firm, insisting that only a directive from the governor or presidency could halt the event. The lecture went ahead, but the tension surrounding it further exposed the growing divide between the two political heavyweights.

Behind the scenes, sources close to the senator allege that the governor’s camp is determined to stall Mustapha’s political rise. “There’s a coordinated effort to keep him in check,” one insider stated. “People are even hesitant to openly associate with the senator for fear of repercussions.”

Party strategists say this feud is far beyond personal grievances—it represents a broader contest for the soul of the APC in Kwara State. One strategist said, “We’re no longer talking about a minor fallout. This is about who will control the future of the APC in this region.”

Despite the APC’s stellar performance in the 2023 general elections, largely credited to the joint strength of AbdulRazaq and Mustapha, their growing animosity poses a serious risk to party cohesion. Observers note that if the impasse persists, it may not only split the party but hand electoral advantage to rival parties.

Efforts by the national leadership of the APC to broker peace have so far yielded no meaningful resolution. A party elder based in Abuja disclosed, “This is one of the most stubborn political rifts we’ve seen in recent times. It’s extremely dangerous for the future of our party in Kwara.”

Senator Mustapha’s popularity at the grassroots level, coupled with his established network within the APC’s national structure, makes it difficult for any camp to sideline him without consequences. Analysts agree that the governor’s ambition to anoint a successor and potentially influence the senatorial ticket is clashing with Mustapha’s rising prominence and reelection plans.

Political insiders suggest that if the APC fails to address the growing hostilities between the two camps, the state chapter may be heading toward a serious implosion. One chieftain warned, “If this issue is not resolved amicably, we could see a split that will severely damage our chances in 2027.”

The internal battle is not just a matter of personal rivalry but a symbolic test of loyalty, influence, and succession planning in a post-AbdulRazaq era. For a party that prides itself on structure and discipline, the Kwara situation is fast becoming a case study of what happens when power dynamics go unchecked.

As preparations for the next election cycle begin to take shape, all eyes are now on the APC leadership—will they step in with decisive mediation, or will they watch as Kwara’s unity crumbles under the weight of unchecked ambition?