A coalition of concerned youths from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State has accused governor AbdulRahman AbddulRazaq of engaging in political witch-hunting against former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.
Addressing journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday on behalf of the group, Hon. Abdulsalam Ajelanwa, described the alleged move to link Saraki to a 20-count charge related to the Offa robbery incident as “a blatant abuse of legal process and a recycled political vendetta”.
Ajelanwa claimed that similar allegations against Saraki in the past had failed due to lack of evidence, insisting that the latest development would suffer the same fate.
“This is a rehash of failed persecution. The same script is being repeated, but it will not stand the test of credible legal scrutiny,” the group stated.
They challenged the Kwara State Government to provide concrete evidence linking the former governor to any criminal activity, maintaining that none exists.
The coalition further alleged that the development was driven by political anxiety ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing what it described as the growing resurgence of the PDP across the state.
According to the group, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of Governor Abdulrazaq were resorting to distraction instead of addressing important issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and declining public infrastructure.
“The government has no achievements to campaign with and has resorted to politically motivated prosecution to divert attention,” Ajelanwa added.
Reaffirming their support for Saraki, the youths described him as a leader who has consistently submitted himself to due process and upheld the rule of law.
They also urged members of the PDP, particularly young people, to remain calm and law-abiding, while focusing on the 2027 elections.
The coalition called on the state government to redirect public resources toward critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and security, rather than what it termed “frivolous litigation, while expressing confidence that voters in Kwara State would determine the outcome of the next election cycle.
In the same vein, the concerned youths of the PDP called for the zoning of Kwara Central senatorial ticket to Asa ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, under the banner “Asa Lokan 2027,” described the demand as a matter of justice, equity, and fair representation, rather than mere political sentiment.
They commended the leadership of Saraki, for stabilizing the party in the state, but insisted that time for Asa Local Government to produce the next senator for Kwara Central is now.
The group also endorsed Prof. Fatai Aremu as its preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial race, describing him as a credible and competent choice.
According to them, Aremu will bring a blend of academic excellence, policy expertise, and experience in legislative research, alongside a track record of community development.
They added that his international exposure and network would attract investment, partnerships, and development opportunities to both Asa and Kwara State.
They called on PDP leaders in the state to initiate a transparent zoning process that recognized the Asa Local Government’s claim to the senatorial seat.
They also urged party stakeholders and members across the state to support the demand in the interest of fairness, unity, and electoral success.
It will be recalled that recently, the Kwara State Government officially filed a 20-count charge against Saraki and former Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed over their alleged arming of top suspects convicted in the tragic Offa armed robbery incident of April 2018.
