From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, has accused the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of attempting to revive the controversial Offa bank robbery case for political purposes, alleging that it is part of a coordinated effort to tarnish the image of former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.
Speaking at a press conference held at the PDP Secretariat in Ilorin, the party described recent media reports suggesting a fresh move linked to the case as “disturbing, insensitive and politically motivated.”
“We address you today with a deep sense of concern over a disturbing development that strikes at the very core of justice, humanity and responsible governance,” the party said.
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According to the PDP, it was shocked by what it called attempts to “reopen and politicise” a case that had already gone through judicial processes, insisting that there was no legal basis for linking Saraki to the incident.
“Just like the overwhelming majority of Kwarans, we are shocked by recent reports alleging a plot by the Governor of Kwara State, to reopen and politicise the already concluded judicial process surrounding the tragic Offa robbery incident, with a calculated attempt to frame the leader of our party,” the statement read.
The party further alleged that the governor’s actions were driven by political desperation and declining influence within his own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“It is evident that Governor Abdulrazaq is now overwhelmed and has lost grip of leadership within the APC in Kwara State, where his authority has significantly diminished,” it added.
The PDP also linked the controversy to what it described as the growing resurgence of its support base across the state, pointing to recent rallies as evidence that the party remains politically strong in Kwara.
It further referenced a recent television interview by Saraki, claiming it triggered renewed political attacks after he spoke on insecurity challenges in parts of the state.
Reacting to the renewed public discussion around the Offa robbery case, the party insisted that legal records had already cleared Saraki of any wrongdoing.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Offa robbery case was thoroughly investigated by the Nigerian Police. The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, in two separate legal advisories dated June 22, 2018 and August 23, 2018, clearly stated that there was no evidence linking Dr. Bukola Saraki, either directly or indirectly, to the incident,” the PDP stated.
Quoting from the legal advice, the party said: “We are unable to establish from the evidence in the interim report a nexus between the alleged offence and the suspects.”
It added that the legal process had since progressed through prosecution and appeals, with the matter now pending before the Supreme Court.
The PDP urged Governor AbdulRazaq to stop what it called “selective narration and propaganda,” challenging him to release full legal documents instead of what it described as misleading interpretations.
The opposition party also warned against what it described as attempts to exploit a painful tragedy for political gain, urging residents of Offa, especially families of victims, not to be dragged into political disputes.
The PDP concluded by urging security agencies to take note of what it described as rising political tension in the state.
“We hereby place security agencies on notice. We urge the Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services in Kwara State to take note of these dangerous developments in the interest of peace and stability,” it said.
The statement was signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara.
