Kwara PDP Commends Kwarans for Enduring Abdulrazaq’s Oppressive Policies in 2024, Prays for prosperous and peaceful 2025

By Omowumi Omotosho

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended its New Year greetings to the people of Kwara State, commending their resilience in enduring what it described as “oppressive policies” of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration throughout 2024.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, by the State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party prayed for a prosperous and peaceful 2025 for all Kwarans. It also took a critical stance on the state government’s policies, highlighting what it termed “maladministration and insensitivity” under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP praised Kwarans for their perseverance in the face of economic and political challenges, stating: “The APC administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq made the previous year more difficult with its maladministration and insensitive anti-masses policies that have led to thousands of people and their families lose their sources of livelihoods”

The party criticized the September 2024 local government elections, alleging widespread irregularities.

“The year 2024 will be remembered as a dark chapter in Kwara’s democratic journey as the will of our people was brazenly subverted during the compromised September local government elections. In a coup-like assault on Kwarans, the votes of our people were hijacked, many of them disenfranchised and election results were manipulated in favour of the candidates of the ruling APC, foisting on Kwarans, stooges of Governor Abdulrazaq who are only in office to do his bidding and that of his party,” the party argued.

The Kwara PDP also condemned the economic policies of the state. The party accused Governor Abdulrazaq of disrupting livelihoods through demolitions and other actions.

“Governor Abdulrazaq’s decision to demolish houses, shops, and business erecting unreasonable walls within the economic hubs of the city to shut down hundreds of businesses are all cancerous. All these including his unfortunate demolitions of Crystal business Complex to settle political scores has not only disrupted livelihoods but also reflected the Governor’s insensitivity to the economic survival of average struggling citizens,” the statement read.

The party further criticized the alleged dismantling of legacy projects such as Kwara Express and Kwara Hotel.

“Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq dismantled Kwara Express and Kwara Hotel—legacy projects established by our forebears—leaving their workers without livelihoods and throwing their futures into uncertainty. These actions, taken without providing any viable alternatives, have inflicted untold hardship on the people of Kwara State,” the Kwara PDP stated.

The PDP also lamented the rising insecurity in the state and blamed the governor for lack of decisive action over the state’s security challenge.

“In the outgone year, Kwarans experienced an alarming surge in insecurity across the state. Numerous residents were kidnapped, and a couple of lives were tragically lost in the hand of their abductors, while the governor, entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, failed to take decisive action to address the crisis. This worsening insecurity has forced countless residents to abandon their farms and homes, exacerbating their suffering and hardship,” the party declared.

The party also criticized the projects embarked upon by the Abdulrazaq-led administration stating: “Kwarans will remember 2024 as another year when Governor Abdulrazaq wasted billions of state funds on white elephant projects that do not have any direct positive impact on their wellbeing. The current administration has demonstrated a significant lack of financial discipline, transparency, and accountability. Government’s expenditures are often shrouded in secrecy and contracts reportedly awarded at inflated costs, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the administration’s financial practices.”

The party therefore assured Kwarans of its commitment to addressing these issues if given the opportunity.

“Our party empathises with all Kwarans, particularly business owners and families affected by Governor Abdulrazaq’s oppressive policies and practices. We commend them for their resilience in enduring a particularly challenging year under the administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, whose actions have consistently demonstrated a troubling lack of sensitivity and leadership.

“We salute the peaceful disposition of our people, particularly the victims of the unfortunate policies and actions of the Abdulrazaq administration. Despite the provocations, they have refused to resort to violence. As we transition into the new year 2025, let us move forward with renewed determination to reclaim our state from those who treat it as their personal enterprise.

” At Kwara PDP, we have repositioned and rebranded our party to reflect the diverse aspirations and needs of all Kwarans. We assure all Kwarans that every draconian policy prioritising political vendettas over the welfare and survival of the people will be thoroughly reviewed and addressed in due course,” the party concluded.