Renewed Offa bank robbery case, political propaganda — PDP’s Saheed Popoola

An aspirant for the National Assembly seat under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Hon. Saheed Popoola, has urged political actors in the state to stop using “the painful memory of the April 5, 2018 Offa robbery to weaponize political propaganda.”

Speaking with journalists after declaring his intention to contest in the 2027 general election at the PDP Secretariat, Ilorin, where he addressed party leaders, elders and supporters from across Kwara South on Sunday, Hon. Popoola described the renewed court case on the Offa bank robbery as political propaganda against the person of former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

“The attention of well-meaning indigenes of Offa, including my humble self, has once again been drawn to the desperate and unfortunate resort to name-dropping and distortion of facts by the present administration in a bid to gain cheap political advantage.

“It is disturbing that the painful memory of the April 5, 2018 Offa robbery continues to be weaponised for political propaganda.

“Such conduct is not only unbecoming but also deeply disrespectful to the memory of the victims and their families.

“I, therefore, call on the good people of Kwara State, particularly Offa, to see through this narrative and reject political blackmail. Offa is a community of dignity, history, and discerning people, and we must not allow our collective grief to be reduced to a tool for political rivalry.”

Speaking on his aspiration, Hon. Popoola described it as a product of grassroots political engagement.

“I have served as Secretary of Offa Local Government, a member of the council, Chairman of Offa Local Government, Commissioner for Youth Development, and a two-term member of the Kwara State House of Assembly.

“Today, I declare my ambition to represent Kwara South in either the Red or Green Chamber, depending on what is zoned to our constituency by the party. When I see how representatives from other regions attract meaningful projects, create employment opportunities, and empower their people, I am compelled to ask — do we truly have a strong voice at the national level?

“With my experience as a former LG Chief Executive, Commissioner, and Legislator, I possess a clear understanding of governance and the legislative process. I know what is required, where to find it, and how to attract it for the benefit of our people through the instrumentality of the National Assembly.

“Furthermore, I wish to state clearly that I have come to declare for any National Assembly position that is zoned to our constituency. I remain fully committed to the decisions of the party and give my assurance of loyalty, discipline, and total alignment with the leadership and structure of our great party.”

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Responding, the Kwara State PDP Chairman, Hon. Issa Bawa, commended the aspirant’s approach and reaffirmed the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.

“Kwara PDP has rules and regulations that we abide by. We will not just present people arbitrarily who may end up spreading propaganda to our people. But Popoola has proven himself to be different and worthy of our trust.

“I told members of the State Working Committee that our coming here is unique and destined by God. As for me, I know my story. This is a position I did not contest for. God placed me here, and I have the love to serve my people.

“Offa is very resourceful and unique for the PDP in Kwara State ahead of 2027. From what we have seen and heard from stakeholders, youths, and women in Offa, the PDP will win in the next election cycle.

“You have demonstrated love and commitment, and by God’s grace, we will never let you down as a party.

“I want to appeal to other aspirants to emulate what Popoola has done here today. He did not declare a do-or-die ambition. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to the leadership of the party. We cannot afford to fail in abiding by the rules of the game. I want to assure everyone that we will be fair to all under my leadership.

“We are doing this so that those who eventually emerge will know they deserve it, while those who do not will know that the party and its leadership have been fair to them.

“Let us pray for our leader, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki. He has sacrificed so much for the party. I pray that God, in His infinite mercy, will crown his efforts.

“We will all march in rejoicing from the party secretariat to the Government House come 2027. What we thought we lost in 2019 and 2023 will return to us in multiple folds.”