Ex-APC Supporter Confesses
A former political ally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has admitted that politicians deliberately linked former Senate President Bukola Saraki to the Offa bank robbery to settle political scores.
Saheed Popoola, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Kwara South, made the admission during a PDP campaign tour of the district led by Saraki.
Popoola said he regretted joining the APC-led O To Ge movement, which spearheaded the political campaign that removed Saraki’s influence from Kwara politics.
Speaking at the palace of the Olofa of Offa, he claimed that several politicians spread false allegations against the former Senate President because of political differences.
He said the allegations surrounding the deadly Offa robbery had been revived for political reasons.
“I regret fighting Saraki because I was misinformed during the O To Ge struggle,” Popoola said.
He further argued that Saraki had no financial reason to sponsor the robbery, claiming that the money in all the banks in Offa and Ilorin combined would not be enough for the former governor to spend in three days.
The Offa robbery case, which claimed more than 25 lives, including police officers, remains politically contentious, with the Kwara State Government prosecuting Saraki over alleged involvement in the incident.
However, Popoola’s remarks represent his personal account of the political circumstances surrounding the allegations and do not constitute a judicial determination of Saraki’s innocence.
Also expressing regret over the O To Ge movement, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, convener of Orisun Igbomina, said he was among those who mobilised support for the APC at the time.
Awoyale said he and others had become disappointed with the present administration and regretted their previous political actions.
“For the sake of my conscience, I must fight this government. God and the unborn generations will not forgive us all if we don’t rise against it,” he said.
He also raised concerns over insecurity in Kwara State, claiming that more than 30 traditional rulers had abdicated their thrones while 25 communities had been deserted.
Addressing the Olofa of Offa, Saraki recalled his role in the monarch’s emergence in 2010, saying he stood by the traditional ruler despite opposition from some quarters.
He appealed to the monarch to support the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Saraki also pledged that a PDP-led administration would continue to support the development of Offa.
Meanwhile, the former Senate President donated ₦50 million towards addressing the community’s decades-long electricity crisis.
The donation is expected to support the replacement of electricity cables reportedly installed about 55 years ago.
Residents have complained that the ageing infrastructure has left parts of Offa with only two to three hours of electricity daily, affecting businesses and household activities.
The traditional ruler, in his response, urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the 2027 electio