By Mumini AbdulKareem
The political atmosphere in Kwara State, last night was agitated and the reason is not far fetch.
One of the alleged gladiators in the 2019 gubernatorial race under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Moshood Mustapha (MM) was in the news following online reports that he had perfected plans to defect to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The report went viral in the state, last night and dominated online discussion which also attracted comments from top political quarters in the state.
But will MM look away from his principal and Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki to actualise his gubernatorial ambition described by impeccable sources as a “top project” for the former customs officer?
There were conflicting reports about Mustapha’s alleged resignation as the Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to Saraki up till when National Pilot went to bed.
It could not be confirmed when last MM reported in the office following unconfirmed allegations that he was last seen two weeks ago.
Calls to his mobile phones for days to sound him out on the matter have not been picked.
Also, the media aide of the Senate President, Yusuph Olaniyonu kept mum on the issue adding that he cannot comment about the “controversy”.
But checks by our reporter last night indicated that MM has “relocated” to Ilorin and began serious “consultations” over his 2019 ambition.
To this end, it was gathered that the former commissioner for Lands held a “strategic” meeting with his coordinators in the 16 local governments across the state.
A source privy to the details of the meeting told this medium that he was confronted with most of the allegations while it lasted.
“He held a meeting with his coordinators across the sixteen local governments in the state on Sunday in his Ilorin GRA residence.
“He was confronted with most of those allegations making the rounds and he denied them. MM told them that he was still with Saraki and that he had not left the dynasty for the PDP. He also assured them that he will remain in town for the next two weeks to continue consultations,” a source disclosed.
Another close source to the politician confirmed that he remains in the APC and has not left the dynasty.
The source who spoke on the issue on strict anonymity because of its sensitivity said the report of MM’s alleged plans to decamp to the PDP was false adding that he remains Saraki’s loyalist as at today (Wednesday).
“Moshood Mustapha has not left Saraki or joined the PDP. The insinuation that has been making the rounds about his alleged defection is not true”, the source added.
The report published by an online platform, SIGNAL, alleged that MM moved his belongings out of his office at the Senate wing of the National Assembly on Tuesday through one of his unnamed aides.
The report also said when contacted for comments, the Special Adviser on Media to the Senate President, Yusuph Olaniyonu said he was not aware of the development.
