Ahead of Saturday ward congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the State has called on leadership of both factions of the party to rein in their supporters and thugs to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
The Kwara PDP State Publicity Secretary, Tunde Ashaolu, who made the call in a statement on Friday, also called on security agencies in the State to be vigilant and prevent breakdown of law and order in any part of the State.
The statement reads in part: “With the lingering crisis ravaging the Kwara APC and with both factions of the party planning to hold parallel congresses across the 193 wards in the State, there are fears that the exercise could lead to mayhem and bloodletting. This is even as different groups and individuals within the party have been threatening to disrupt the congress.
“Kwarans can still vividly recall the violence that erupted the APC Stakeholders’ meeting which held at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin, few months ago where some aggrieved members of the party were attacked, cars and some government facilities vandalized by political thugs loyal to the Governor.
“The weapon-wielding thugs later moved to some areas within the metropolis, brandishing guns and machetes, inflicted injuries on some people and shot sporadically in the air to create tension and fears in the minds of residents of the areas. This ugly incident cast Kwara in a bad light and we do not want a repeat of such an unfortunate occurrence.
“This is why we are calling on leaders of both factions including Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Bashir Bolarinwa, Abdullahi Sanmari, to rein in their supporters and political thugs to ensure a peaceful exercise across the State.
“We implore them not to allow their inordinate and selfish interests to jeopardise the peace and harmony of the State. The interest of Kwara and her people is bigger than theirs. Should the exercise turn bloody, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and other leaders of the party will be held responsible.
“The Kwara PDP also appeals to security agencies in the State to sound a note of warning to the Kwara APC leaders, be on alert and ensure the maintenance of law and order in the State, before, during and after the ward congresses of the party.”
