Saliu Mustapha: The Emerging Power Broker In 10th Senate, By Oyewale Oyelola

The Turaki of Ilorin and Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial district, Mallam Saliu Mustapha took the oath of office at the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on Tuesday in Abuja. The highly respected Turaki is now Senator Saliu Mustapha.

For everybody that followed the inauguration of the 10th Senate, it was obvious that Senator Saliu Mustapha played a key role during the leadership contest. He regularly appears on different media houses to project the Senate and discuss critical issues of national importance. He didn’t also hide his commitment, dedication and respect for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) zoning of 10th National Assembly leadership positions.

No wonder, Senator Mustapha becomes the cynosure of all eyes and goldfish that has no hiding place during the inauguration of the 10th Senate. The successful Businessman with good character apart from standing firm with Senator Godswill Akpabio; arrived at the National Assembly building early to put the finishing touches on their strategy and block any loophole. He seconded the nomination of Senator Jibrin Barau as Deputy Senate President in line with the APC leadership directives.

For records, the brand new Kwara Central Senator has always been a core progressive and loyal party man. He served as Deputy National Chairman (North) in Congress for Progressives Change and join others to herald the merger of Nigerian Progressives into All Progressives Congress about a decade ago. Senator Saliu Mustapha has remained committed, loyal and oiling the party structure in Kwara State as well as the national level in spite of politicking hiccups.

Additionally, when he aspired to lead the ruling party as National Chairman in 2022, the Turaki of Ilorin swiftly bow to party supremacy after former President Muhammadu Buhari endorsed Senator Adamu Abdullahi for the position. His support for the party remains unshaken as he offers both logistics and innovative ideas to ensure the success of the 2022 APC Special National Convention.

It’s therefore not surprising that Party leadership, stakeholders and members rally support for him while running for Kwara Central Senatorial seat during the 2023 general elections. The result shows his wide acceptability and popularity among people of Ilorin West, Ilorin South, Ilorin East and Asa local government areas.

According to the result announced by INEC, Mustapha polled 109,823 votes to defeat his close opponent Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi of the Peoples Democratic Party who is an ally of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki who recorded 69,202 votes.

Frankly Speaking, Senator Mustapha has built a wide network in business, politics and career; this made him a foreman during the consultations/alliance building to deliver Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President.

Now that he is stepping into the 10th Senate in grand style and as the powerhouse, the people of Kwara Central Senatorial district will benefit and enjoy quality representation through legislation and community impacts in line with his four points of legislative focus.

Recall that Mustapha’s agenda released during the electioneering is based on four cardinal points; advocating for laws and reforms, collaborating with the Kwara State Government and reducing poverty through expanded empowerment initiatives.

The Turaki of Ilorin has signed a pact to attract more development to Kwara and he will surely deliver his campaign promises.

Congratulations Senator Saliu Mustapha!

Oyewale is a Public Affairs Analyst and FactualTimes Managing Editor, he writes from Ilorin.