Taiwo POPOOLA
Main opposition party in Kwara State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has berated the recent comments by the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, on TVC, as a desperate attempt to whitewash the failures of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued in Ilorin on Friday by the Assistant Publicity Secretary, Bashir Ashura, the opposition party said it was unfortunate that Fagbemi chose propaganda over facts while millions of Kwarans continue to grapple with insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, poor healthcare services, and declining living standards.
The PDP noted that before the emergence of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration in 2019, Kwara was widely regarded as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
“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.
“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 party declared.
The opposition party further noted 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 argued that “instead of providing transparent accounts of how public funds have been utilized, the AbdulRahman 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.
“Equally laughable is the attempt to dismiss concerns about a third-term agenda. Kwarans are not deceived. https://urbanexpresslive.com/afcon-what-eric-chelle-said-regarding-three-players-that-impressed-him/
“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.https://urbanexpresslive.com/ucl-youre-weak-for-covering-your-mouth-with-a-shirt-vinicius-slams-prestianni-over-racist-comment/
“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 added.
