Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has drawn intense criticism following a now-viral video in which he spoke about delivering victory for the All Progressives Congress in the Federal Capital Territory Council Election, amid worsening insecurity in parts of his state.

In the trending clip from a recent political gathering, AbdulRazaq, while addressing party members, declared his commitment to securing electoral success for the ruling party in Abuja.

“On behalf of the excellencies and many other esteemed colleagues on the committee, I assure Mr President and our party leaders that we will work as a team with local stakeholders and community influencers to deliver FCT to the All Progressives Congress.

“I’m confident that the good people of the Federal Capital Territory across the six council areas will come out to align with our party and show truly that APC is not just the party of now but also the reliable vessel to Nigeria’s progress and sustainable future,” AbdulRasaq said.

The governor’s remarks have since triggered heated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the timing and priorities of the statement as Kwara continues to confront deadly attacks, abductions, and growing fears across rural communities.

The backlash comes amid heightened tension in the state following the circulation of a disturbing video by suspected terrorists, allegedly showing some victims from the February 3 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.

Reacting to the footage on Saturday, the Kwara State Government, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said authorities were working with security agencies and local stakeholders to analyse the video and establish the identities of those shown.

“The Kwara State Government is deeply concerned over the disturbing video released by terrorists earlier today, allegedly showing some persons taken during the tragic February 3 attack on Woro community.

“Government officials and security agencies are carefully analysing the video to establish the identities of the individuals shown.”

The government noted that conflicting accounts regarding the number of abducted persons had complicated official confirmation.

“Since the incident, there have been varying accounts regarding the number of persons abducted. For this reason, neither the State Government nor security agencies have announced a definitive figure.

“Our priority remains the safe rescue of every affected citizen and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”

Despite the official response, the governor’s FCT comment has continued to generate controversy online, with critics arguing that the statement appeared disconnected from the security challenges confronting Kwara communities.

A barrage of reactions followed on X, where several users openly condemned the governor’s remarks.

OurFaveOnlineDoc (@OurFavOnlineDoc) wrote,”My job to Tinubu is to deliver FCT for APC. Not to deliver Kwara people from terrorism, not to deliver good governance, not to care for families of the murdered — the only thing in this governor’s head is votes.”

Everything Politics (@Everypolitics1) stated, “The oath of office is to serve the people of Kwara and not to deliver the FCT for any political party. Governance is about security, development and accountability, not electoral strategy.”

Tochi (Nfunaala) (@TochiPN) added, “His job is not to protect his state from terrorists but to win FCT. Premium clownery.”

Another user, Teablack75 (@teablack75), wrote, “The reason I fear for Nigerians is that these leaders boldly tell us they don’t care. You will never hear ‘my job is to deliver good governance to my people.’”

Sundayikale (@sundayikale) commented, “Deliver FCT when Kwara is bleeding? A governor that doesn’t care about his people but politics.”

Similarly, Alexo224 (@AlexEZIREALI43) said, “Your own people are being killed, kidnapped, and displaced, yet you’re talking about delivery jobs for elections.”

Adékúnlé Odérìndé (@AdekunleOderind) also criticised the governor, writing, “A governor that cannot deliver security to his people wants to deliver votes elsewhere. Jokers in seats of power.”

The criticism reflects growing frustration among citizens following repeated reports of violent attacks and threats across communities in Kwara State.

Recent security briefings have highlighted incidents involving suspected terrorists, including killings, abductions, and the circulation of threatening letters allegedly warning of impending assaults.

Residents of some affected areas have reportedly fled their homes over fears of further violence, while authorities continue security operations.

Our correspondents gathered that residents of Ira, Inaja and Aho had started leaving their homes over the threat letters by the suspected terrorists.

A traditional chief in Ira, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, said the letter was dropped at a motorcycle park near the central mosque. (Sunday PUNCH)

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