2027: PDP Urges Gov AbdulRazaq To Rein In Political Thugs
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to rein in political thugs allegedly operating within his political camp and ensure that the State does not become a battlefield ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s demand followed the reported shooting at Idigba, Adewole Ward, Ilorin, where three persons were reportedly injured during a prayer gathering organised in connection with the governor’s turbaning ceremony.
In a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP expressed concern over what it described as a disturbing development capable of heightening political tension in the State ahead of the 2027 elections.
While sympathising with the victims and wishing them quick recovery, the PDP maintained that the incident raised serious questions which Governor AbdulRazaq has to personally address.
“If a prayer session organised in your own family house, at a time when your followers are preparing to celebrate your turbaning, can turn into a gun battle, what should Kwarans expect when the real political contest begins and candidates from opposition parties stand against you in 2027?
“This is not a question the Governor can wish away. The people of Kwara deserve to know whether the political environment under this administration will remain peaceful as the 2027 elections approach or whether political thuggery, intimidation and violence will become instruments of political contest,” the party added.
The party called on Governor AbdulRazaq to take responsibility for maintaining peace within his political structure and caution all supporters, thugs, groups and individuals associated with his administration or political camp against violence, intimidation and the use of firearms.
“If those gathered to pray in your honour could be exposed to gunfire, how can you assure opposition candidates and ordinary citizens that the 2027 political season will not become a season of fear and violence?” the party asked.
“If you cannot guarantee peace around a gathering connected to you, how will you guarantee the safety of political opponents who will openly challenge your party at the polls?,” the party asked.
The PDP said the 2027 elections would inevitably bring intense political competition, stressing that all parties and candidates must be allowed to campaign freely while citizens should be able to support the candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation or violence.
It therefore urged the Governor to “rein in every political thug, supporter or group operating in his name or around his political structure” and prevent the state from becoming a theatre of political bloodshed.
The party also called on security agencies to immediately commence an impartial and transparent investigation into the Idigba shooting and ensure the arrest and prosecution of all persons found to have been responsible for the incident.
It urged the security agencies to make the outcome of the investigation public, saying this would help reassure Kwarans that the authorities were committed to protecting lives and ensuring a peaceful political environment.
The PDP said the Governor had a responsibility to ensure that the road to the 2027 elections was defined by ideas, issues and peaceful democratic competition rather than guns, thuggery and bloodshed.
