The Politics of Inclusion, the Promise of Saliu Mustapha
*BY*TURAKI YOUTH AMBASSADORS
The strength of a political party lies not in the influence of one individual, but in the confidence of its members. Whenever internal democracy gives way to the perception of exclusion, the party risks weakening itself before facing the opposition.
The emergence of The Ótoge Progressive (TOP), a coalition comprising respected governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly aspirants, alongside influential stakeholders, is itself a statement. Such experienced political actors do not come together without a compelling reason. Their collective call for fairness, inclusion and a level playing field should not be dismissed as the disappointment of unsuccessful aspirants; it deserves thoughtful reflection by the party’s leadership.
For many observers, the concern is not merely about who emerged, but whether every aspirant truly competed on a level playing field. The APC was built on the ideals of Ótógẹ́, a movement that rejected political monopolies and insisted that no individual should become bigger than the party. Those ideals must remain sacrosanct.
It is therefore significant that The Ótoge Progressive (TOP) continues to draw attention to the principles of fairness, inclusion and internal democracy. Its emergence can be viewed not simply as a reaction to a political process, but as a reminder that the strength of the APC ultimately depends on its ability to accommodate divergent interests while preserving its collective purpose.
Senator Saliu Mustapha’s political trajectory demonstrates why fairness matters. During the last senatorial primary, he proved his popularity by securing victory even through an indirect primary process. His emergence did not only produce a winning candidate; it expanded the electoral strength of the APC. His broad support base attracted new voters and reinforced the party’s dominance in Kwara Central and beyond.
Today, that support has only grown stronger. Through sustained investments in education, agriculture, entrepreneurship and humanitarian interventions, Senator Mustapha has built political capital that transcends party structures. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, he has translated public office into tangible opportunities for thousands of constituents.
Politics is ultimately about addition, not subtraction. A party seeking victory should naturally rally around individuals who broaden its appeal rather than narrow it. It should create room for every legitimate interest, listen to competing voices and build consensus around candidates capable of carrying the party’s message beyond its traditional base.
The emergence of The Ótoge Progressive (TOP) should therefore be seen as an opportunity for reflection rather than confrontation. Its concerns provide the APC with an opportunity to strengthen its internal structures, deepen confidence among its members and demonstrate that the spirit of Ótógẹ́ remains alive.
The lesson for the APC is simple: internal democracy is not a favour to aspirants; it is an investment in electoral success. Where fairness prevails, unity follows. And where unity exists, victory becomes easier.
If the party’s overriding objective is to present its strongest and most unifying face to Kwarans, few names inspire that confidence more than Senator Saliu Mustapha. His growing political profile, grassroots connection and record of service position him as a formidable asset to the APC and a politician capable of converting political goodwill into electoral strength.
The politics of inclusion should therefore not be viewed as a threat to leadership. It should be embraced as the foundation upon which stronger leadership, stronger parties and stronger electoral victories are built.
Signed:
Ahmed Alikali. S
Publicity secretary
Turaki Youths Ambassadors
