Politics has always been a game of strategy, influence, and most importantly credibility. In Kwara, the name Saliu Mustapha draws attention, not because he shouts the loudest, but because his work speaks for itself. Those who claim he is inconsequential contradict themselves by spending so much energy trying to undermine him. After all, no one fights a man who doesn’t matter.
Mustapha is not new to the political landscape. He is not a seasonal politician who appears every four years with borrowed goodwill. His prominence in Kwara politics is a product of years of effort, service, and true investment in the people. His kind of politics isn’t built on hollow promises or ephemeral handouts but on constancy and a dedication to progress. That is why, despite every attempt to discredit him, his influence continues to expand.
The claims of disloyalty are ludicrous. Loyalty in politics should never imply blind surrender or silence in the face of injustice. True allegiance is to the people who entrust a leader with their votes and their future. Mustapha recognises this, which is why he keeps connected to his constituents even after the elections are gone. Some may not appreciate that he prioritizes the people over political games, but that is exactly why he remains relevant.
The idea that he is playing a hazardous game by empowering his people is another example of how politics in in our side is often misunderstood. Since when did giving back to the people become a crime? If a politician’s kindness makes his opponents uncomfortable, then perhaps the fault isn’t with him but with those who have disregarded their own obligations. It is not Mustapha’s fault that his generosity and impact make others look inadequate.
As for the whispers regarding 2027, there is no cause for premature worry. If Mustapha chooses to contest, it will not be out of entitlement but because he has proven himself worthy. Power is not inherited; it is acquired. And in a democracy, the people not political schemers decide who is suited to rule. History has proven that people who try to predict the future too early generally find themselves on the losing side of it.
In the end, no number of papers, misinformation, or concerted attacks can change the truth. Saliu Mustapha is a powerhouse in Kwara politics, and his impact is not a product of media spins but of real labour, real devotion, and real leadership. Those who feel threatened by his rising fame would be better to focus on their own contributions rather than waste energy trying to downplay his. The people are watching, and in politics, as in life, the truth always prevails.
