The Director of Media to Senator Saliu Mustapha, Kwara Central, Mallam Abdullateef Ishowo, has defended the Senator’s calm disposition amid the ongoing political tensions within the ruling APC in Kwara State, describing his restraint as a deliberate strategy rather than a sign of weakness.
According to him, despite being openly confronted and allegedly undermined by some party leaders in the state, Senator Mustapha has deliberately refused to engage in personal attacks, media confrontations or actions capable of creating division within the APC.
He said the Senator believes that “restraint is not weakness and silence is not surrender,” adding that true leadership requires discipline and self-control. He noted that the Senator’s priority remains the unity of the party and the overall success of the APC rather than personal battles.
The media aide explained that the Senator understands that a public conflict between prominent APC leaders would only strengthen the opposition and weaken the party, recalling that the lesson of the 2019 elections showed that Kwarans rewarded unity and rejected division.
He further stated that Senator Mustapha is guided by the philosophy of listening more than speaking, stressing that wisdom is developed through careful listening and knowing the appropriate time for silence, consultation, speech and action.
Addressing those calling on the Senator to confront his perceived political opponents openly, Ishowo said Senator Mustapha would not sacrifice party unity or public peace for personal ambition. He added that, as the Turaki Ngeri of Ilorin, the Senator considers himself an ambassador of peace with a responsibility to promote harmony at all times.
He acknowledged that the Senator has heard the concerns of young people and elders across the state regarding the current political atmosphere, saying their desire for peace, good governance and a better Kwara is legitimate. He maintained that the Senator stands firmly with the people.
On claims that Senator Mustapha has committed an offence against party leaders, Ishowo said the Senator has repeatedly sought clarification but none has been provided because, according to him, no offence exists. Instead, he described Senator Mustapha as one of the APC’s most formidable and electable leaders, with political relationships that cut across ethnic, religious and partisan divides.
The statement emphasized that political parties should be viewed as vehicles for development rather than ends in themselves, stressing that while the APC remains the platform, the ultimate destination is the progress of Kwara State. He said the solution is to reform and strengthen the party rather than destroy it because of internal disagreements.
Reflecting on the “O To Ge” movement, Ishowo said it was more than a political slogan, describing it as a people’s movement that demonstrated that power ultimately belongs to the electorate. He added that Kwarans remain politically conscious and should continue to make informed democratic choices through the ballot rather than through anger or violence.
He also quoted Senator Mustapha as saying that the renewed political consciousness among Kwarans should encourage responsible leadership and informed decision-making, urging citizens to uphold the values of Omoluabi in both leadership and followership.
Highlighting the Senator’s achievements, the media aide said Senator Mustapha has complemented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through scholarship programmes, agricultural support, road and classroom projects, solar-powered infrastructure, electricity transformers and assistance for small businesses. He acknowledged the prevailing security challenges but expressed confidence that they could be overcome through collective efforts.
He concluded by reaffirming that Senator Mustapha remains accessible to all constituents regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or religion. He urged political actors to compete through service rather than insults and called on Kwarans to pray for the state’s progress instead of promoting division.
According to him, Senator Saliu Mustapha remains “unbroken, unbowed and unwavering” in his commitment to serving the people of Kwara Central and advancing the broader cause of humanity.
Signed:
Abdullateef Ishowo
Director of Media to Senator Saliu Mustapha, Kwara Central.
