My dear Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, my name is Jamiu Suleiman Sakele, a grassroots politician from Adewole Ward, the same ward as you, in Ilorin West Local Government Area. I contested for the Ajikobi/Alanamu State House of Assembly ticket in 2023 under the APC. I believe this should give me enough stake and moral authority to raise critical issues about the growing crisis in our party.
It is disheartening to observe that some party executives loyal to you have begun what can only be described as a campaign of harassment and ostracization against members perceived to be loyal to Senator Saliu Mustapha.
The wave of hostility has spread from Oloje Ward in Ilorin West to Asa Local Government Area, with the latest incident involving youth leaders allegedly evicting MSM loyalists from caucus meetings.
This growing hostility is not only divisive but a dangerous gamble that could spell doom for our party.
Our leader sir, let me appeal to your sense of reason and responsibility. The current path of internal strife and factionalism that your loyalists are championing is a road to perdition, a political journey of no return.
Senator Saliu Mustapha is undeniably the single most significant blessing the APC has had in Kwara State since before the 2023 till today.
He is not just popular within the party, but he is admired across party lines. The goodwill he enjoys among the masses is a political asset that cannot, and should not, be ignored. This was evident during the 2023 elections when his presence on the ballot galvanized grassroots support that contributed immensely to APC’s victories across the state.
While some may attempt to downplay his contributions, the facts speak for themselves. Senator Mustapha is a unifying figure whose influence extends beyond partisan boundaries. His ability to command the loyalty and affection of virtually all segments of the Kwara public makes him an indispensable asset.
It is unfortunate that, rather than leveraging his popularity and goodwill to strengthen the party, certain elements within your camp have chosen a path of alienation and antagonism toward him. These actions, carried out by individuals operating allegedly under direct instructions from you, are widely recognized by all involved. This is more than a political miscalculation; it is a dangerous gift to the opposition.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is watching these developments with keen interest. For a party that desperately needs a lifeline, Senator Saliu Mustapha presents an attractive option. His defection to the PDP would not only reinvigorate their base but also pose an existential threat to the APC in Kwara State.
While PDP understands what you and some of your loyalists seem to be missing: Senator Saliu Mustapha is the bridge to the people. Losing him to the opposition would be akin to handing over our strongest political weapon on a silver platter.
Recent results of the last local government elections should serve as a wake-up call. The APC’s declining popularity in Kwara State is a clear indication that the party is losing its grip on the people. This is not the time for self-denial or political hubris. It is a time for reflection and critical leadership.
My amiable Governor, the ball is in your court. The onus is on you to rise above petty factional politics and provide the leadership that the APC desperately needs at this moment. Senator Mustapha is not your adversary; he is your ally. Protecting his interests and ensuring his continued loyalty to the APC is not just a political necessity but a moral imperative.
In conclusion, I’ve a few points to share in the form of way forward.
Firstly, you must acknowledge and leverage the goodwill that Senator Mustapha brings to the party. His popularity is a resource that can help the APC regain its footing in Kwara State.
Secondly, focus on rebuilding the party’s image and addressing the issues that have led to its declining popularity. This includes engaging with the grassroots and delivering more aggressively on the party’s campaign promises.
Lastly, do not underestimate the PDP’s determination to exploit the APC’s internal crisis. Their interest in Senator Mustapha should serve as a warning of what is at stake.
Governor AbdulRazaq, history will judge you by the choices you make today. You have the power to steer the APC away from the path of self-destruction and towards a future of unity and success. But this requires courage, humility, and a willingness to put the party’s interests above personal or factional considerations.
The people of Kwara State are watching, and so is the opposition. Do not let pride or short-sightedness rob the APC of its greatest asset. The time to act is now.
