By: Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi
At the recently held congress of the Kwara People’s Democratic Party (PDP), its leadership unveiled “Resecure Kwara” as the slogan for the forthcoming 2027 elections. However, just like “O Tun Ya” and “O Su Wa”, which the party adopted in 2019 and 2023 respectively, the “Resecure Kwara” slogan and its proponents have been widely rejected by Kwarans.
To the Kwara PDP, political slogans appear to be beautiful words woven together to convince the electorate and win elections. But in reality, slogans are more than catchy phrases; they must reflect the true experiences and aspirations of the people. The “O To Ge” slogan of the Kwara APC in 2019 resonated with Kwarans because it captured their frustrations under Bukola Saraki’s leadership. It was not just a phrase; it was a movement born out of collective pain and hope for change.
Therefore, it is unsurprising that Kwarans are unmoved by the PDP’s “O Tun Ya,” “O Su Wa,” and now “Resecure Kwara” slogans. These are what I call self-inflicting slogans. The PDP governed Kwara for a good sixteen years, leaving behind a legacy of unpaid civil servants, political thuggery, poor infrastructure, and widespread decay.
For a party that once dragged Kwara to the brink before Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s successful rescue mission, one would expect it to adopt a slogan that seeks forgiveness rather than one that reminds citizens of past hardship and neglect. Perhaps a remorseful slogan appealing for reconciliation would have been more fitting.
Dissecting Kwara PDP’s “O Tun Ya,” “O Su Wa,” and “Resecure Kwara” Slogans
In 2019, when Kwarans were saying enough is enough and rejecting the Saraki-led PDP’s poor leadership, the party ironically adopted “O Tun Ya”—meaning Let’s Do It Again. Do what again? When the people were clamoring for freedom, PDP was calling for a repeat of what had failed.
Similarly, in 2023, when Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration was being applauded for unprecedented infrastructure projects, women and youth inclusiveness, and empowerment programs, the PDP came up with “O Su Wa”—meaning We’re Fed Up. Fed up with what exactly? With progress?
Now, as the 2027 election approaches, the party has introduced “Resecure Kwara.” Given PDP’s track record, the slogan can only mean a desire to return Kwara to the dark days—when paying civil servants was a luxury, roads across the state were impassable, and school buildings were in deplorable condition. Those were the days when our revered monarchs were reduced to receiving cows at the airport to please Bukola Saraki.
Someone should tell Saraki and his followers that Kwarans have become wiser. They will no longer be deceived by hollow slogans. They cannot return to the era when they were treated as strangers in their own state, nor can they afford to submit again to a political godfather who once ruled with an iron fist, using state machinery and political thugs to silence dissenting voices.
The 2027 elections in Kwara will not be won by slogans coined outside the realities of well-meaning citizens. They will be won through visible achievements and genuine service to the people. Under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s leadership, Kwara has witnessed greater progress in infrastructure, federal appointments, women and youth empowerment, and general development than it did during the PDP’s sixteen years in power.
Even Saraki himself cannot deny this reality. That is why he avoided addressing anything development during the recent PDP congress, choosing instead to hide behind discussions about insecurity in some parts of the state. But Kwarans can't be fooled. Insecurity is a national challenge, yet Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has continued to support security agencies with logistics and resources to combat non-state actors and restore peace in affected communities.
Lastly, Kwarans know better now. They will not be swayed by empty slogans from Bukola Saraki and his blind followers.
Olayinka Fafoluyi is the Senior Special Assistant, New Media to Kwara State Governor.
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