PDP condemns AbdulRazaq’s politicization of traditional institution in Kwara
….warns against dragging royal fathers into APC internal struggles
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the alleged involvement of traditional rulers in the ongoing succession debate within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such actions could undermine the dignity and neutrality of traditional institutions.
In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP said it had received numerous complaints from residents over reports and images showing traditional rulers travelling to Abuja alongside APC officials in what it described as an effort to advance the political interests of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq before the national leadership of the ruling party.
The opposition party described the development as unfortunate and embarrassing, arguing that traditional rulers should remain above partisan politics and serve as symbols of unity, peace and cultural heritage.
According to the PDP, the involvement of royal fathers in what it termed an internal APC succession battle risks eroding the moral authority and public confidence traditionally associated with the institution.
The party further claimed that it was difficult to identify any other state where traditional rulers are allegedly so openly involved in partisan political activities and internal party affairs.
The statement expressed concern that traditional institutions were being drawn into political contests at a time when many communities in the state were grappling with security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks.
The PDP argued that traditional rulers should instead be mobilised to engage government authorities on issues affecting citizens, such as security, healthcare, education, infrastructure and economic development.
“The people of Kwara expected to see royal fathers leading conversations around security, economic development, education, healthcare and community welfare. They never expected to see them deployed as emissaries in a partisan battle over who becomes the next governorship candidate of APC,” the statement said.
The opposition party therefore urged traditional rulers across the state to protect the sanctity and neutrality of their offices and resist what it described as attempts to use their influence for partisan political objectives.
The PDP also cautioned against a repeat of situations it claimed occurred during the 2023 elections, alleging that some traditional rulers were compelled to support the APC.
It maintained that traditional institutions were established to serve as custodians of culture, mediators in times of conflict and fathers to all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation.
The party warned that continued involvement of royal fathers in partisan political contests could diminish the reverence and respect traditionally accorded to the institution.
