The ongoing war between Bolaji Abdullahi, the former House of Assembly candidate for Kwara Central on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, who was also a former Minister of Sports, and Saliu Mustapha, the lawmaker representing Kwara Central in the Senate on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC is yet to come to an end.
Many thought Mustapha’s victory at the polls a few months ago would mark the end of the feud, but it seems that is not going to happen soon. Abdullahi has vowed not to end his rift with his former opponent or even congratulate him for his victory at the poll. Abdullahi who contested for the seat at the upper legislative chambers with Mustapha came second in the poll held in February. In a recent interview, he accused Mustapha of stealing the mandate from him, claiming that he did not win the election.
The former minister also stated that there were irregularities and manipulations that were inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Law and vowed not to accept the result pf the election. This is not the first time that Abdullahi has pointed accusing fingers at Mustapha. Both men used to have an amicable relationship until politics tore them apart and they became sworn enemies. Mustapha had criticised Abdullahi’s campaign slogan after the latter used the phrase ‘Big Idea’ as part of his campaign slogan. He emphasised the impact that certain ideas would have if well thought-out and properly executed. However, Mustapha countered his assertion and maintained that having an impact is better than conceiving an idea.
Abduallahi, who did not find his political opponent’s criticism funny, responded with an open letter where he sent Mustapha to the gallows. He warned his opponent and used some unpleasant words to describe his action.
Mustapha was surprised that the PDP candidate misinterpreted his previous statement. He slammed the politician and said an average reader would understand what he had said not to talk of Abduallahi who is considered an intellectual. He added that while ideas are good, it will amount to nothing if it does not solve people’s problems. After a while, Mustapha reiterated that his first response to Abduallahi’s letter was to set the records straight and to avoid misrepresentation. He promised to ignore his counterpart’s charade in the near future. However, Abdullahi has not been quiet about their feud since then.
