PDP Slams Kwara Governor’s Aide Over Comments on Party Member’s Death, Debunks Stampede Allegation at Saraki’s Residence

By Omowumi Omotosho

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning comments made by the Senior Special Assistant on Communication to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Ibraheem Abdullateef, over the recent death of Hajia Roheemat Aduke Atanda.

The PDP described Abdullateef’s remarks as “irresponsible,” “inhumane,” and “politically reckless,” accusing the governor’s aide of exploiting the death of a citizen for propaganda purposes.

In a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP stated: “ The party considers it the height of political recklessness to exploit the tragic loss of a citizen for propaganda purposes. At a time when empathy and compassion should prevail, the Governor and his aides have chosen to play petty politics with the grief of a mourning family. This conduct is not only disgraceful but also underscores the insensitivity and lack of decency that have come to characterise Governor Abdulrahman’s administration.”

The party also refuted claims of a stampede at the Sallah hangout hosted by former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, where Hajia Aduke was in attendance.

“Ordinarily, we would not have dignified Abdullateef with a response. However, for the benefit of the public who might be misled by his deliberate falsehoods, it is important to set the record straight.

The late Hajia Roheemat Aduke Atanda was a devoted member of our party and indeed, she attended the Sallah hangout hosted by Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, alongside other loyal members and supporters of our party. Contrary to the malicious claims by Governor Abdulrahman’s aide, there was no stampede during the course of the celebration and the deceased did not die at Dr. Saraki’s residence. There are video recordings of all activities at the event, including when cash gift was distributed to attendees,” the party clarified.

According to the PDP, the deceased, who had a known pre-existing health condition as confirmed by her family, collapsed outside the venue while heading home. She was taken to a private hospital in the Sabo-Oke area before being referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), where she passed away despite receiving treatment.

“Hajia Aduke, who had a known underlying health condition, as confirmed by her family, slumped outside the premises on her way home. She was immediately rushed to a private hospital at Sabo-Oke, where she received initial treatment before being referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Oke-Oyi. Unfortunately, she passed away despite all efforts to save her,” the statement read.

The party said it covered the cost of her medical care through the Office of the Women Leader and also paid a condolence visit to her family. The PDP further noted that a medical team was present at the Sallah event, refuting any claims of negligence, stating that: “In line with our values of compassion and solidarity, the party, through the Office of the Women Leader, covered the cost of her treatment at both hospitals and also paid a condolence visit to her bereaved family.

It is also important to note that a medical team was present at the venue of the Sallah hangout, which reflects Dr. Saraki’s commitment to the safety and well-being of his supporters. Had Hajia Aduke slumped while the event was ongoing, the medical team would have promptly provided first aid before any hospital referral. This further debunks the misleading narrative being peddled by Governor Abdulrahman’s aide that the deceased died in a stampede at Dr. Saraki’s house.”

Describing Abdullateef’s comments as “vile and baseless,” the PDP condemned a suggestion that the deceased was used for political sacrifice.

“It is irresponsible and reprehensible for the mindless Abdullateef to suggest that the deceased was used for a political sacrifice. Such a vile and baseless claim reflects his disturbing level of insensitivity and desperation. We strongly advise him and other lackeys of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrahman to desist from playing politics with the tragic loss of a fellow citizen,” the party stated.

To highlight what it termed hypocrisy from the government, the PDP cited a previous incident involving the First Lady of Kwara State.

“Should we adopt the logic of Abdullateef, we would have equally claimed that the tragic death of one Miss Oluwatoyin, allegedly crushed by the convoy of the First Lady, Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, during a public event, was for a political sacrifice. Since the sad incident occurred, there has been no official word or act of sympathy from the Governor and his wife,” the party highlighted.

The PDP also criticized the Abdulrazaq administration’s response to wider governance issues, including insecurity and unexplained deaths in the state.

“Rather than spewing falsehoods, Abdulrahman’s aides should focus on advising their principal to urgently address the growing insecurity that continues to claim innocent lives across Kwara State. We also call on the government to provide clear answers regarding the mysterious deaths of two young men at Kwara Hotel, a facility currently undergoing renovation at an inflated cost of over N22 billion,” the party stated further.

Concluding the statement, the PDP reiterated that it would not engage in “inhumane politics” and reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Kwara State.

“Governor Abdulrahman lacks the moral standing to lecture anyone on empathy or responsibility. The PDP will not descend into the gutter of inhumane politics with him. Instead, we will continue to stand with the people of Kwara State with dignity, compassion, and a sense of duty.

The Governor must understand that Kwarans will not be swayed by fabricated tales and propaganda. They will judge his administration by its glaring lack of tangible development, its absentee leadership, and its blatant disregard for human dignity. No amount of propaganda or dirty politics can redeem a government that has reduced Kwara to a symbol of financial mismanagement and leadership failure,” the party concluded.