Kwara PDP Criticizes APC Chairman’s Claim About Gov. Abdulrazaq’s Performance

The Peoples Democratic Party, the main opposition party in Kwara State, has sharply criticized recent comments made by the All Progressives Congress state chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, on TVC. The PDP alleges that Fagbemi’s remarks are an attempt to gloss over the shortcomings of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released in Ilorin on Friday by Assistant Publicity Secretary Bashir Ashura, the PDP condemned Fagbemi for choosing propaganda over facts while millions of Kwarans continue to face insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, and declining living standards.

The PDP noted that before the AbdulRazaq administration began in 2019, Kwara was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.

“Today, however, communities across Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, Patigi, Ifelodun and other parts of the state have become recurring theatres of kidnappings, bandit attacks and killings. Families can no longer sleep with both eyes closed as they once did,” the party said.

“For Fagbemi to describe the security crisis as ‘artificial’ is not only insensitive but disrespectful to the memories of innocent Kwarans who have lost their lives and properties to criminal elements. The pain of victims and their families cannot be dismissed as election‑season politics,” the PDP declared.

The opposition party further added that “the APC chairman also boasted about governance achievements without addressing the fundamental question of accountability.”

Available government records show that Kwara State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has risen from about ₦30.6 billion in 2019 to over ₦69 billion in 2024, while federal allocations to states have increased significantly following fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments.

“Yet the ordinary Kwaran cannot point to commensurate improvements in security, healthcare delivery, education, job creation or rural development,” the PDP said.

The PDP argued that “instead of providing transparent accounts of how public funds have been utilized, the AbdulRazaq administration has consistently operated behind a veil of secrecy, suppressing critical voices and creating an atmosphere where journalists, media practitioners and social commentators are subjected to intimidation for demanding accountability.”

“Prince Fagbemi’s claim that every ward in Kwara has a functional healthcare centre is another example of political exaggeration. Kwarans know the reality in many rural communities where health facilities remain understaffed, under‑equipped and unable to provide basic services,” the party added.

“Equally laughable is the attempt to dismiss concerns about a third‑term agenda. Kwarans are not deceived. The ongoing effort to impose a successor appears driven by fear of accountability rather than genuine concern for the future of the state. Democracy demands leadership renewal, not political puppetry.”

“As 2027 approaches, Kwarans will assess the APC administration based on its record and not on television propaganda. The verdict of the people will be based on their lived experiences, and no amount of political spin can rewrite that reality. APC Must Go,” the opposition party concluded.