British Envoy’s Visit: PDP Raises Alarm Over Security, Governance Challenges in Kwara

 

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concerns over insecurity, governance lapses, and alleged political intimidation in the state, using the official visit of the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Gill Lever, to draw attention to what it described as “deteriorating conditions” under the current administration.

Speaking at the PDP state secretariat in Ilorin on Monday, the State Chairman, Hon. Isa Bawa Adamu, said the visit was significant for democratic engagement and international partnership, noting that it reflects continued interest in Nigeria’s democratic development.

“We welcome Ms Gill Lever, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, to the Kwara State Secretariat of the PDP. Your visit underscores the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, especially in strengthening democracy, institutional integrity, and the rule of law,” he said.

However, the party used the opportunity to express deep concern over what it described as worsening insecurity in Kwara State, claiming that the state has shifted from being one of Nigeria’s most peaceful to a “flashpoint of banditry and violent crimes.”

According to Adamu, “In 2019, we handed over Kwara as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, where even residents of troubled states found refuge. Today, the story is different under the APC-led government of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.”

He alleged that more than 30 traditional rulers had been displaced from their communities due to repeated attacks, while over 600 people were reportedly killed between 2025 and 2026 in incidents of banditry.

The PDP chairman further referenced a recent attack in Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, claiming over 200 people were killed and about 179 residents, including women and children, were abducted and remain in captivity.

He also raised concerns about security funding, alleging discrepancies in budget implementation. “Despite budgeting over ₦4 billion for security in 2026, records indicate no release for security in the first quarter of the year,” he said.

On education, Adamu criticised what he described as underfunding of critical sectors. He claimed that while ₦42 billion was allocated to education in 2025, only ₦2.5 million was released to the Agency for Mass Education, compared to ₦5 billion reportedly allocated for Government House renovation.

“In many rural communities, children still learn under trees or sit on bare floors in classrooms. This is unacceptable in a state with such resources,” he added.

 

 

He also faulted the state’s healthcare system, alleging that no functional MRI machine had been procured in seven years, forcing residents to seek medical diagnostics in other states such as Oyo and Lagos. He further claimed that the state has fewer than 1,500 doctors serving a population of about four million people.

On workers’ welfare, the PDP chairman said civil servants in Kwara are among the least paid in the region. “A Grade Level 8 officer earns less than ₦100,000 monthly, which is even lower than NYSC corps members’ allowance,” he stated.

The opposition party also alleged increasing political harassment of its members, accusing state institutions of being used to suppress dissent.

He cited ongoing legal issues involving some party members, including the State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olusegun Olusola Adewara, and Comrade Musbau Esinrogunjo, describing the actions as “politically motivated.”

The party also defended its leader and former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, insisting that renewed attention to the Offa robbery case was an attempt at political blackmail.

“We find no logical basis for linking a two-term governor and former Senate President to a matter already decided in court and currently before the Supreme Court on appeal,” Adamu said.

He further alleged grassroots-level intimidation, including salary withholding, transfers, and demotions of party members in public service.

Despite the concerns raised, the PDP chairman maintained that the party remains strong and confident ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The PDP remains organized and deeply connected to the people. There is growing public dissatisfaction, and citizens are increasingly looking toward our party for credible leadership,” he said.

He added that the party would continue to work with electoral and democratic institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure credible elections.

“Our concerns are raised not out of confrontation, but out of a sincere commitment to democratic growth, accountability, and protection of political space in Kwara State,” he added.