By Desire Emmanuel
The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared its support for the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq , over plan to prosecute former governor of the state, Senator Bukola Saraki, regarding the bank robbery that took place in Offa area of the state in 2018.
Saraki, had, in a statement on Friday described as a “desperate ploy by a drowning politician” the alleged move by Governor Abdulrazaq to initiate a case of criminal culpability against him over the robbery incident which he said he knew nothing about.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the state capital, on Saturday, April 18, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in the state, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Olawale Babatunde, described the former governor’s reaction as “melodramatic” and urged Saraki to allow the court process to run its course.
The APC said there was no reason for Saraki or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be alarmed if they had nothing to hide, insisting that the judiciary would only rely on facts and evidence, not public statements or sentiment.
“Neither Saraki nor the PDP needs to lose sleep if their hands are clean. The court deals with evidence and fact, not dramatic statements that seek to erase the facts of history,” the statement said.
The party also advised the former Senate President to focus on clearing his name in court rather than attacking the state government, adding that attempts to dismiss the allegations through media narratives would not stop the legal process.
“Rather than resorting to personal attacks, he should go and face his trial and let the court establish his guilt or otherwise,” APC stated.
Reacting to Saraki’s denial of any link to the convicted individuals in the case, the party described the claims as “laughable and deceitful,” insisting that multiple testimonies and court records would be examined during the trial.
The APC also faulted Saraki’s criticism of Governor AbdulRazaq’s popularity and performance, describing it as ironic and detached from public sentiment in the state.
“Kwarans can see clearly who understands governance and development, compared to the stagnation experienced in the past,” the party said.
Commending the state government, the APC said the decision to allow the legal process to proceed demonstrated courage and commitment to justice. It added that the trial was in line with growing national calls for accountability in cases involving violent crimes.
According to the statement, “No one is above the law, and it is the duty of the state to ensure that justice is served. The court will determine guilt or innocence, not press statements or political pressure.”
The party also warned against what it described as attempts to politicise a tragic incident that claimed multiple lives, urging political actors to allow the judiciary to do its work without interference.
