Kawu denies link to alleged disruption of APC woman leader’s programme
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kwara State, Engineer Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka, has denied involvement in the alleged disruption of an empowerment programme organised by the APC Kwara Central Woman Leader, Alhaja Sulaiman Tawakalitu Agaka.
Kawu, in a statement issued by his media office on Monday and obtained by Just Event Online TV, described the allegation linking him and his supporters to the incident as “false and politically motivated.”
He said he neither attended nor authorised anyone to disrupt the programme, adding that the allegation was an attempt to portray him and the PDP as advocates of violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Engineer Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka had no involvement whatsoever in the organisation, disruption or any incident reportedly associated with the programme. He neither directed nor authorised any individual to confront, harass or disrupt the event,” the statement said.
The PDP candidate said the APC woman leader was known to him personally and had benefited from his support over the years. He said their relationship should ordinarily encourage mutual respect rather than political confrontation.
Kawu also said residents of Agaka and Magaji Ngeri were politically conscious and had the right to express their views on political activities in their community.
He argued that any reaction at the event should not automatically be attributed to him or the PDP without credible evidence.
The governorship candidate, however, expressed concern over reports that some opposition figures had been arrested following the incident.
He accused the government of potentially deploying security agencies against political opponents and warned against what he called the “weaponisation” of the police for political purposes.
“The police are a professional institution established to protect all citizens, maintain public order and enforce the law, not to settle political scores or intimidate members of the opposition,” Kawu said.
He urged the state government to allow security agencies to perform their constitutional duties without political interference.
Kawu commended officers of the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as their professionalism and restraint in handling the matter.
He called on the police to remain impartial and uphold the rule of law, stressing that anyone found culpable should be investigated and prosecuted, while innocent citizens should not be arrested or harassed because of their political affiliations.
The PDP candidate also appealed to his supporters and other political actors in the state to remain calm and law-abiding.
He said the 2027 election should be contested on the basis of issues, policies and competing visions for Kwara rather than violence, intimidation or misinformation.
“Kwara belongs to all of us. Its security institutions belong to the people, not to any political party, candidate or government official,” he said.
Kawu reiterated his commitment to a peaceful, issue-based and people-centred campaign focused on building a “secure, productive and prosperous Kwara.”
