The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has taken a decisive stance against the state's leadership, formally declaring a loss of faith in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's administration. The party's State Working Committee (SWC) leveled serious allegations of comprehensive failure in governance during its first meeting of 2026.
Condemnation of School Closures and Security Failures
In a strongly-worded communique signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP heavily criticized the continued shutdown of schools in Kwara South and Kwara North. The closures, which began in December, were described as a dangerous and counterproductive measure that jeopardizes the future of children in the state.
The party asserted that closing schools as a response to insecurity is a clear sign of leadership failure, not a viable solution. They urged the state government to immediately reopen all educational institutions and instead focus on strengthening security measures around them. The PDP insisted that the education of Kwara's children must not be sacrificed due to the government's apparent inability to safeguard lives and property.
Governor's Absence and Leadership Vacuum
A significant point of contention raised by the opposition party is the governor's frequent and prolonged absences from Kwara State. The PDP accused Governor AbdulRazaq of spending extensive periods in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, while critical issues of insecurity and governance deteriorate at home.
The SWC stated that this pattern of absence has created a damaging leadership vacuum, rendering the state government largely unresponsive to the pressing needs and suffering of the people. This, they argued, has directly contributed to the worsening situation on the ground.
Ultimatum on Violence Against Protesters and Kidnapping Crisis
The party also expressed outrage over a violent incident involving elderly women who were peacefully protesting to demand the release of their kidnapped relatives. The SWC labeled the assault as shameful, alleging that thugs acting as agents of the government attacked the women in the presence of police officers who failed to intervene.
In response, the PDP issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor AbdulRazaq. They demanded the immediate arrest, public parade, and prosecution of those responsible for the attack. The party warned that failure to comply would make the governor personally accountable for the actions of these alleged agents.
Further amplifying the security concerns, the SWC disclosed alarming kidnapping statistics. They revealed that over 22 individuals were abducted across several communities in Kwara South between December 25 and early January. Among the high-profile victims are His Royal Highness, Oba Olanipekun, the Oniwo of Afin, and his son, who is a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The party noted that the kidnappers have threatened to kill either the monarch or his son if their ransom demands are not met. This situation was cited as stark evidence of the rapidly deteriorating security landscape and a complete breakdown of effective governance in the state.
The PDP's resolution calls on the Kwara State Government to take urgent and concrete steps to restore security, protect the fundamental rights of citizens, and dismantle the pervasive climate of fear currently gripping the state.
