The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kwara State, Engineer Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka, has denied allegations linking him and his supporters to the reported disruption of an empowerment programme organised by the APC Kwara Central Woman Leader, Alhaja Sulaiman Tawakalitu Agaka.
Kawu, in a statement issued through his media office on Monday and made available to 9japarrot, described the allegation as “false and politically motivated,” saying he neither authorised nor participated in any disruption of the programme.
According to him, attempts to associate him with the incident were aimed at portraying 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 also said the APC woman leader was personally known to him and had, over the years, benefited from his assistance, arguing that their history should ordinarily promote mutual respect rather than political hostility.
Kawu further maintained that residents of Agaka and Magaji Ngeri were politically conscious citizens capable of expressing their views on political activities in their community, stressing that any reaction at the venue 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 subsequently been arrested in connection with the incident.
He accused the government of potentially using state security institutions for political purposes, warning against what he described as the “weaponisation” of the police against political opponents.
“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 carry out their constitutional responsibilities without political interference.
Kawu, however, commended officers of the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as their professionalism and restraint in handling the matter.
He urged the police to remain impartial and committed to the rule of law, saying that anyone found to have committed an offence should be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, but that innocent citizens should not be arrested or harassed because of their political affiliations.
The PDP candidate also called on his supporters and other political actors in the state to remain calm and law-abiding.
He said the 2027 political contest should be based on issues, policies and competing visions for the state 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 what he described as a peaceful, issue-based and people-centred campaign, anchored on his vision of a “secure, productive and prosperous Kwara.”
