Former Kwara State lawmaker and one-time leader of the Otoge movement, Saheed Popoola, has accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of poor security management, claiming that the state has become a haven for bandits under his leadership.
Popoola, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the allegations during his formal declaration in Offa on Sunday. He argued that Kwara, once considered one of Nigeria’s safest states, is now witnessing alarming levels of kidnapping and banditry.
“Since Kwara’s creation in 1967, we’ve never seen this level of insecurity,” Popoola said. “Banditry stayed within Niger State for years but never entered Kwara. Unfortunately, this administration has failed to keep the state safe.”
The former lawmaker accused Governor AbdulRazaq of focusing on personal interests rather than governance, saying this neglect had worsened insecurity.
“The governor has abandoned the ideals of the Otoge struggle—openness, inclusivity, and shared progress. Once a leader isolates himself from the people, insecurity grows,” he added.
Popoola further alleged that the government had sidelined community leaders and political stakeholders capable of addressing the security challenges in border areas such as Patigi, Baruten, and Kaiama.
According to him, his move to the PDP was motivated by “deep reflection” on the APC’s direction, which he said had drifted from its founding values.
“I didn’t join the PDP out of desperation,” he said. “I joined because I still believe in fairness, justice, and equity. The PDP remains the only credible opposition party in Nigeria.”
Addressing questions about his new alliance with former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Popoola said political partnerships evolve.
“Four years ago, no one imagined President Tinubu and Nyesom Wike working together. So, being in the same party with Saraki shouldn’t surprise anyone. Saraki never harmed me or my family.”
He expressed confidence that the PDP would reclaim power in Kwara during the 2027 elections.
PDP Welcomes Popoola
Welcoming Popoola, Kwara PDP Chairman Issa Bawa described his return as a “homecoming,” adding that it would strengthen the party ahead of the next general elections.
“The AbdulRazaq administration has failed to protect lives and property. It relies on propaganda to hide its shortcomings,” Bawa said. “Offa will rise again and be great again.”
Former PDP chairman Kola Shittu also praised Popoola’s defection, describing him as “a grassroots leader whose influence will energize the party.”
APC Defends Governor
Responding to the allegations, Kwara APC Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Waheed Babatunde, dismissed Popoola’s claims as “baseless and politically motivated.”
“The AbdulRazaq administration has invested heavily in community policing, logistics, and intelligence support for security agencies,” Babatunde said. “Popoola’s exit will not affect the APC. He had long distanced himself from the party and even worked against us in recent elections, yet we won convincingly.”
The renewed political confrontation comes amid public anxiety over rising insecurity in parts of Kwara, especially in border communities near Niger and Kogi states, where several kidnapping incidents have been reported in recent months.
