A large protest erupted in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Tuesday as residents voiced outrage over the ongoing feud between Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central. Protesters say the political rivalry is stalling critical development projects in the state.
Hundreds of demonstrators including youths, women, and traditional leaders from across Ilorin Emirate marched through major roads, demanding an end to what they described as “political sabotage” of federally funded initiatives facilitated by the Senator.
With placards bearing slogans such as “Enough of Political Witch-hunt,” “Don’t Sabotage Federal Projects,” and “Ilorin Deserves Better,” the crowd called for immediate resumption of suspended infrastructure projects, particularly in rural communities.
Community leader Alhaji Mumini Alaya, speaking during the protest, condemned the alleged obstruction of projects linked to Senator Mustapha. “This is no longer about politics. It’s about health, education, and our people’s future,” Alaya said. “Projects meant to serve the public are being blocked simply because of political disagreements. That is injustice.”
The protests were triggered by the abrupt halt of a federal government-backed hospital renovation in Ilorin East Local Government Area—an initiative reportedly championed by Senator Mustapha to improve healthcare delivery. Local sources allege the project was stopped following directives from the council chairman, Lukman Agbelere, an ally of the Governor.
Tensions escalated after a viral video surfaced showing Agbelere telling a crowd that the project would not proceed because Senator Mustapha was “an enemy of the Governor.” The remarks drew sharp criticism across Kwara Central, particularly in Gambari Ward I, where the hospital serves as the only healthcare option for many low-income families.
Rukayat Jimoh, a youth leader from the ward, condemned the chairman’s statements. “This is reckless and dangerous. People are dying, and political egos are being prioritised over lives. That hospital is our only hope, and now it’s been abandoned,” she said.
Political observers note that tensions between Governor AbdulRazaq and Senator Mustapha both of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have deepened ahead of the 2027 elections. While the Governor has not publicly addressed the protest, Senator Mustapha’s aides accuse the state government of weaponising local structures to frustrate federal interventions tied to the Senator.
“This is a serious leadership test for the APC,” said political analyst Dr. Razaq Afolabi. “The party must decide whether internal power struggles will override development or whether it will act in the interest of the people.”
Residents have vowed to continue demonstrations until work resumes on halted projects, warning that further delay could have dire consequences for healthcare access in the state.
