PDP, APC Trade Blame Over Governance, Security, Ahead of 2027 Elections in Kwara

 

APC Defends Danladi-Salihu’s Choice, PDP Blasts AbdulRazaq Administration

 

The political atmosphere in Kwara State has become increasingly charged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchanged sharp criticisms over governance, security, and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded statement issued in Ilorin on Friday by its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bashir Ashura, the PDP faulted recent comments made on TVC by the APC State Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, describing them as “a desperate attempt to whitewash the failures” of the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to Ashura, the APC chairman’s media appearance was aimed at substituting what he termed the “harsh realities on the ground” with political propaganda ahead of the next election cycle.

“It is unfortunate that the APC chairman 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 stated.

The opposition party argued that Kwara State, which it claimed was once among the most peaceful states in the country, had experienced a decline in security under the current administration. It cited reported incidents in Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, Patigi, Ifelodun and other parts of the state, alleging that kidnappings and violent attacks had become recurring challenges.
The PDP particularly took exception to Fagbemi’s description of the security situation as “artificial.”

“For Prince Fagbemi to describe the security crisis as ‘artificial’ is not only insensitive but also disrespectful to the memories of innocent Kwarans who have lost their lives and property,” the party said, insisting that the suffering of victims should not be reduced to political rhetoric.

The party also questioned the administration’s management of state resources, arguing that despite significant increases in revenue inflows, residents had not experienced commensurate improvements in public services.

It claimed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rose from approximately ₦30.6 billion in 2019 to over ₦69 billion in 2024, alongside increased federal allocations, yet the living conditions of many citizens remained largely unchanged.

The PDP further accused the government of operating with limited transparency and alleged that critics, including journalists and public commentators, had faced intimidation.

It also dismissed Fagbemi’s claim that every ward in the state now has a functional healthcare centre, describing the assertion as “political exaggeration” and maintaining that many rural health facilities remain understaffed and poorly equipped.

On the issue of succession politics, the PDP alleged that there were ongoing efforts to impose a successor on the state, describing such moves as inconsistent with democratic principles.

“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,” Ashura said, concluding with the slogan, “APC Must Go.”

However, speaking separately on TVC’s Breakfast Show, APC State Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, defended the ruling party’s performance and the emergence of its 2027 governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.

Fagbemi described Danladi-Salihu as a competent and experienced leader capable of consolidating on the achievements of Governor AbdulRazaq, noting that he emerged through what he called a transparent and credible primary election.

“A free and fair primary has been conducted in Kwara State, and a winner has emerged,” Fagbemi said.

He highlighted Danladi-Salihu’s experience as a two-term Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, arguing that his legislative background had adequately prepared him for executive leadership.

“Speaking of competence, this is someone who served as Speaker of the State House of Assembly for two terms. There has been no rancour. There has been cooperation and synergy with the other arms of government,” he said.

The APC chairman dismissed reports of factionalism within the party, insisting that the APC remained united and continued to attract new members across the state.

“Most of them left before the 2023 elections, yet we won. When they returned, we reabsorbed them into the party,” he said, adding that the APC was expanding rather than losing strength.

Fagbemi also rejected allegations of a third-term agenda for Governor AbdulRazaq, insisting that Danladi-Salihu’s emergence was a product of internal democracy and not political manipulation.

“Are they saying Danladi is not a Kwaran? If any other person had emerged, they would find something else to say,” he stated.

Defending the administration’s performance, Fagbemi pointed to achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and security, maintaining that development projects were visible across all parts of the state.

“There is no one of the 193 wards in Kwara State where you will not find a functional healthcare centre today,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the APC chairman expressed confidence that the ruling party would retain power, citing what he described as widespread acceptance of the government’s achievements.

“I was in Kwara North recently, and I will come back here to debate the wide margin with which we will defeat the opposition come 2027,” he added.

As both parties intensify their political messaging, Kwara’s political landscape continues to reflect a familiar rivalry, with the APC defending its record in office and the PDP insisting that governance outcomes have fallen short of public expectations.

The exchanges underscore the growing political tension as the state gradually moves toward the 2027 governorship contest.