By Demola Akinyemi Ilorin

The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted sharply to recent statements from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, describing them as attempts to distort the ongoing legal process over the 2018 Offa bank robbery incident.

In a press statement delivered by its State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Olawale Babatunde, the APC said Saraki and the PDP should allow the court to determine the facts of the case rather than engage in public narratives aimed at discrediting the process.

According to the party, “the court deals with evidence and fact, not dramatic statements that seek to erase the facts of history,” adding that anyone confident of their innocence should have no reason to fear trial.”

The APC maintained that the matter before the court should not be turned into political propaganda, insisting that “the proper place for explanations is the court, not Facebook or media platforms.”

Reacting to Saraki’s denial of any connection to those convicted or linked to the robbery incident, the party said that available testimonies and past statements from some of the convicts would be examined during proceedings.

“The testimonies of key individuals, including those involved in the investigation, do not support the claims being made,” the statement said, while stressing that it would leave the final judgment to the court when the trial resumes in June.

The APC further argued that the renewed public debate around the case reflects a wider national concern about alleged political sponsorship of violent crimes, insisting that the justice system must be allowed to function without interference.

Reiterating its position on the Offa robbery case, the party insisted that the legal process must be respected, adding that public opinion or media statements cannot influence judicial proceedings.

“No amount of noise can stop the law from taking its course. If anyone has questions to answer, the court is the rightful place,” it added.

It also praised the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what it described as courage in ensuring that the law takes its course regardless of political considerations.

“The state government deserves commendation for ensuring that the law is applied without fear or favour. No one is above the law,” the party stated.

On governance, the APC applauded Governor AbdulRazaq, noting that he remains focused on development projects across the state.

It listed ongoing efforts in education, road construction, healthcare upgrades, rural development funding, and prompt payment of salaries and pensions, noting that “this is what unsettles the opposition: a government focused on service delivery rather than political patronage.”

The statement further alleged that the PDP was attempting to shift public attention away from governance by revisiting past controversies, urging Kwarans not to be distracted.

“Kwarans are wiser now. They will not be dragged back to an era of political god fatherism and mismanagement of public resources,” the APC said.

The APC concluded by reaffirming its commitment to security, justice, and development in the state, saying the AbdulRazaq administration will remain focused despite political distractions.