‘We won’t watch her be harrased’ — APC condemns alleged attack on chieftain in Agaka, demands police probe

…party says Kwara is no longer in 2003, 2007 or 2011, urges PDP to embrace issues-based campaign

ILORIN, Kwara State — The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara Central has condemned what it described as an alleged violent attack, harassment and intimidation of one of its chieftains, Alhaja Tawakalitu Agaka, following her empowerment programme in her hometown over the weekend.

The party also called on the Nigeria Police Force and relevant traditional authorities to investigate the incident and identify those allegedly involved.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the APC Kwara Central Chairman, Alhaji Memudu Turawa, urged political actors in the state to embrace restraint, tolerance and issues-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into violence, harassment or intimidation, stressing that citizens have the right to pursue their political aspirations in a peaceful environment.

“The PDP should be civil in its approach to issues. Citizens are at liberty to pursue their political aspirations in an atmosphere that is devoid of violence, harassment, or intimidation,” the statement said.

The APC alleged that the incident involving Agaka was politically motivated, noting that her connection to Agaka, the hometown of PDP governorship aspirant Alhaji Kawu Agaka, should not expose her or other APC members from the community to danger.

The party challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to focus on convincing Kwara voters through policies and programmes rather than intimidation.

According to the APC, the opposition party should explain to voters why the state should return to what it described as an era of “collapsed school infrastructure, dehumanization of women and elderly, unpaid salaries, zero promotion, pervasive fear, and stunted physical and economic growth.”

The party further described Agaka as not only a grassroots politician but also a mother, grandmother, wife and community leader whose safety should be protected irrespective of her political affiliation.

“We will not watch whilst she or anyone is molested by the PDP. The party must immediately call its members to order,” the statement added.

The APC also warned against a return to what it described as the political atmosphere of previous election cycles.

“This is neither 2003, 2007 nor 2011 when dissents were muzzled without appropriate consequences,” the party said, adding that anyone who goes beyond acceptable limits should be restrained by the security agencies.

The party called on the police and other security agencies to identify those allegedly responsible for attacking or harassing Agaka, arguing that a proper investigation would help prevent further political excesses and safeguard peace and democracy in the state.

It also cautioned that leaving the incident unresolved could trigger reprisals against members of either party in Agaka or other communities.

The APC stressed that neither the party nor the Kwara State Government supports violence, urging all political actors to embrace tolerance, free speech and peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 elections.