Lawmaker Denies Defection From APC

The Senator representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, has clarified that he has not departed from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reacting to speculations that he has dumped APC following a reported video featuring him conversing with former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki at a public event, Mustapha said the rumours making the rounds are untrue.

Naija News reports that Mustapha, who also holds the title of Turaki of Ilọrin, firmly denied any claims of leaving the APC in a statement released by his media aide, Nasif Solagberu.

The senator reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality representation for his constituents.

“As a matter of principle and policy, we do not dignify fake news or its peddlers with rebuttals. This explains our dignified silence over the past weeks as various baseless claims, fabricated by the usual suspects, are being trended with reckless abandon across the social media.

“I am fully focused on my responsibility to my people and refuse to be distracted by cheap and unfounded propaganda.

“For the sake of clarity, it is worth reiterating that Senator Saliu Mustapha remains a staunch and loyal founding member of the APC,” the lawmaker said.

He urged the public to, “Disregard this fake news and treat it as the product of the imagination of mischief makers who have nothing constructive to offer”.

He said that as one of the privileged signatories to the historic February 2013 agreement that collapsed the three legacy parties to form the APC, his contributions to the creation, growth, and continued success are well documented and highly regarded by stakeholders and members.