Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has come under heavy criticism after a viral video showed him speaking about delivering victory for the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory Council Election, even as insecurity persists in parts of Kwara State.
In the circulating clip from a recent political meeting, AbdulRazaq addressed party members and pledged commitment to securing electoral success for the ruling party in Abuja.
“On behalf of the excellencies and many other esteemed colleagues on the committee, I assure Mr President and our party leaders that we will work as a team with local stakeholders and community influencers to deliver FCT to the All Progressives Congress.
“I’m confident that the good people of the Federal Capital Territory across the six council areas will come out to align with our party and show truly that APC is not just the party of now but also the reliable vessel to Nigeria’s progress and sustainable future,” AbdulRasaq said.
The remarks have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the timing of the statement as the state grapples with deadly attacks, kidnappings, and heightened fear in several rural communities.
The criticism follows renewed tension after a disturbing video allegedly released by suspected terrorists surfaced online, reportedly showing victims from the February 3 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
Responding on Saturday, the Kwara State Government, through a statement signed by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said authorities were collaborating with security agencies and community leaders to review the footage and verify the identities of those featured.
“The Kwara State Government is deeply concerned over the disturbing video released by terrorists earlier today, allegedly showing some persons taken during the tragic February 3 attack on Woro community.
“Government officials and security agencies are carefully analysing the video to establish the identities of the individuals shown.”
The statement explained that discrepancies in reports about the number of abducted persons had made it difficult to confirm exact figures.
“Since the incident, there have been varying accounts regarding the number of persons abducted. For this reason, neither the State Government nor security agencies have announced a definitive figure.
“Our priority remains the safe rescue of every affected citizen and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”
Despite the official response, the governor’s comments about the FCT election have continued to stir controversy online, with critics arguing that his focus appeared misplaced given the security challenges facing communities in the state.
On X, several users openly condemned the remarks.
OurFaveOnlineDoc (@OurFavOnlineDoc) wrote,”My job to Tinubu is to deliver FCT for APC. Not to deliver Kwara people from terrorism, not to deliver good governance, not to care for families of the murdered — the only thing in this governor’s head is votes.”
Everything Politics (@Everypolitics1) stated, “The oath of office is to serve the people of Kwara and not to deliver the FCT for any political party. Governance is about security, development and accountability, not electoral strategy.”
Tochi (Nfunaala) (@TochiPN) added, “His job is not to protect his state from terrorists but to win FCT. Premium clownery.”
Another user, Teablack75 (@teablack75), wrote, “The reason I fear for Nigerians is that these leaders boldly tell us they don’t care. You will never hear ‘my job is to deliver good governance to my people.’”
Sundayikale (@sundayikale) commented, “Deliver FCT when Kwara is bleeding? A governor that doesn’t care about his people but politics.”
Similarly, Alexo224 (@AlexEZIREALI43) said, “Your own people are being killed, kidnapped, and displaced, yet you’re talking about delivery jobs for elections.”
Adékúnlé Odérìndé (@AdekunleOderind) also criticised the governor, writing, “A governor that cannot deliver security to his people wants to deliver votes elsewhere. Jokers in seats of power.”
The reactions highlight mounting frustration among residents following repeated reports of violent incidents across parts of Kwara State. Recent security updates have pointed to suspected terrorist activities, including killings, abductions, and the circulation of threat letters warning of further attacks.
Residents in communities such as Ira, Inaja and Aho have reportedly begun relocating over fears of impending violence. A traditional chief in Ira, who requested anonymity for security reasons, disclosed that one of the threat letters was dropped at a motorcycle park near the central mosque.
