The All Progressives Congress (APC) senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha, has stepped down from today’s party primary for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the lone aspirant to secure the ticket for the 2027 senatorial race.

Our reporter reliably gathered that while the governor is in number 17 on the party list for the contest, Mustapha is listed as number 18.

Mustapha had, in a statement issued by his media assistant, Nasir Sholagberu, earlier on Monday, claimed his total backing for Gov. AbdulRazaq for Kwara Central Senate, while calling for peaceful and orderly primaries.

Speaking on the contest, the lawmaker expressed strong support for the aspiration of the governor, who has become the sole contestant for the APC senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, “the emergence of Governor AbdulRazaq as the lone aspirant is a clear indication of the immense respect, acceptance, and confidence he enjoys among party stakeholders and members across the state.”

The legislator noted that the development reflects the belief among party leaders and stakeholders that the governor deserves such recognition and prominence in view of his contributions to the growth and stability of the party and the state.

He further wished the governor and all other aspirants participating in the primaries across the state a peaceful, successful, and rancour-free exercise.

The appearance of Sen. Saliu on the list of contestants for the Kwara Central Senatorial race has, however, raised concerns among Kwarans, who expected that he was actually in the race for the Kwara State gubernatorial election.