DRAMA IN ILORIN: Worshippers target Gov AbdulRazaq, APC with anti-government chants at Eid Ground
A rare and tense scene unfolded at the Ilorin Central Eid praying ground on Wednesday, as sections of worshippers erupted into anti-government chants targeting Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The incident took place during the annual Eid-el-Kabir prayers in the state capital. The chants broke out as the governor’s official convoy attempted to navigate through the massive crowd of residents gathered for the religious service.
In video footage obtained from the venue, distinct sections of the crowd could be heard chanting in Yoruba: “APC wọlé lọ bi awada bi ère” and “Ramoni wọlé lọ bi awada bi ère,” which loosely translates to “APC/AbdulRahman went down like a joke.”
While high-profile political figures frequently face mixed reactions at public outings, an open display of political discontent at a major, solemn religious gathering represents a significant shift in the state’s public square. Local observers connect the outburst to mounting economic pressures, internal party friction, and recent security failures in the state.
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The friction at the Eid ground comes amidst early maneuvering and intensifying political realignments within Kwara State ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Internal friction within the ruling APC has reportedly escalated following indications that the party may settle on the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi, as its preferred governorship candidate. Danladi is widely regarded as a key ally and political protégé of Governor AbdulRazaq.
On the opposition front, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is making early moves to reclaim the state, reportedly announcing Bolakale Kawu, the former Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as its candidate for the upcoming contest.
Beyond partisan politics, the open expression of frustration is heavily tied to a deteriorating security situation in Kwara’s border communities, which has left many residents feeling vulnerable.
Just days before the Eid celebrations, a devastating attack shook the Yashikira community in the Baruten Local Government Area. Heavily armed suspected bandits invaded the border town late at night, firing sporadically and forcing terrified residents to flee into nearby bushes.
The assailants overran local vigilantes, set parts of the Emir’s palace on fire, and abducted several residents—including women, children, and some of the Emir’s wives.
The inability of state and local security apparatuses to mount immediate resistance during the hours-long assault has heightened public anxiety. For many at the Ilorin Eid ground, the economic hardship coupled with these severe security breaches provided the catalyst for Wednesday’s public protest.
