Political tensions in Kwara State have intensified following the disruption of a women's empowerment programme organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday. The event, led by the APC Women Leader, Tawakalitu Agaka, took place at her family residence in Ilorin and aimed to support women, youths, and widows, with cash assistance reportedly distributed to 200 beneficiaries.

The situation escalated when a group of individuals believed to be supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arrived at the venue, chanting slogans and confronting Agaka and her supporters. A video from the event depicted the chaotic scene, with one group chanting “ole” while another responded with “Sai Kayi.” Security personnel intervened to prevent the confrontation from escalating further.

In the aftermath, the APC and PDP exchanged accusations, with the APC claiming that the PDP was attempting to reintroduce political thuggery into the state. Ibraheem Abdullateef, the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Communications, criticized the actions of the PDP supporters, linking them to former Senate President Bukola Saraki and the PDP governorship candidate, Bolakale Kawu. Abdullateef defended Agaka's right to organize the event and mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates, questioning the legitimacy of the PDP's actions.

He stated, “Are we just having different politicians from one house? What is the crime in that?” Abdullateef further characterized the disruption as a resurgence of thuggery and hooliganism that he claimed had been eradicated by the current administration.

In response, the PDP dismissed the accusations, asserting that the APC was attempting to label politically aware residents as thugs due to their objections to the empowerment programme. Olusegun Adewara, the Kwara PDP Publicity Secretary, described Abdullateef’s comments as indicative of the frustrations within the APC-led government. He emphasized that the residents who confronted the government team were not thugs but concerned citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with the administration's performance.

The PDP criticized the timing of the empowerment programme, suggesting that it was a politically motivated gesture aimed at winning favor ahead of the 2027 elections. They questioned why the government had neglected the community for years only to offer assistance shortly before the elections. “They are simply asking why a government that has neglected them for seven years suddenly remembers them a few months to another election,” the PDP stated.

The party also demanded an apology from Governor AbdulRazaq for the comments made by his aide, asserting that the residents had the right to reject what they viewed as deceptive political tactics and to hold their leaders accountable.

As political activities ramp up in Kwara ahead of the 2027 elections, both the APC and PDP are positioning themselves for a competitive race. Despite the disruption, the empowerment programme continued, with security forces ensuring that the situation did not escalate into violence.