The Kwara State High Court has ordered the remand of the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, on a two-count charge of alleged defamation of character and public disturbance. Justice T.S. Umar issued the order on Thursday.
Adewara was accused of making statements considered defamatory against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as remarks allegedly capable of causing public unrest. At the hearing, Justice Umar directed that the defendant be remanded at the Oke-Kura Correctional Facility in Ilorin pending further proceedings, adjourning the case to June 10.
PDP Condemns Remand
The PDP condemned the remand in a statement issued by its Assistant State Publicity Secretary, Bashir Ashura. The party described the action as a deliberate attempt to intimidate opposition voices and silence criticism of the state government.
“It is deeply unfortunate that a government which has failed in addressing the worsening insecurity across Kwara State is now channeling state resources toward the harassment and intimidation of citizens who speak against its shortcomings,” the statement read.
Allegations of Poor Governance
The PDP further alleged that the administration had worsened hardship in the state through poor governance, lack of transparency, and failure to address security and economic challenges. It accused Governor AbdulRazaq of using state institutions to target political opponents, adding that such actions undermine democratic principles.
“It is condemnable and unacceptable that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose popularity continues to decline, has resorted to using the instruments of government to victimise opposition members and suppress dissenting voices,” the party said.
Call for Professionalism
The PDP stressed that democracy thrives on freedom of expression, not intimidation or political persecution, and called on the governor to address rising insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and infrastructure decay in the state. The party also urged security agencies and the judiciary to remain professional and avoid being used as instruments of political oppression.
It reaffirmed its commitment to defending democracy, justice, and constitutional freedoms, insisting that no amount of intimidation would silence the opposition.
