Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has gone into a spin after its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olushola Adewara, was ordered to be remanded in the Oke-Kura Correctional Centre following his arraignment before Justice T.S. Umar of the Kwara State High Court on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The case, which has been framed by the prosecution as a straightforward matter of criminal defamation and public disturbance, is increasingly seen by opposition figures as a politically motivated attempt by the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration to silence a vocal critic ahead of the 2027 elections. According to the charges, Adewara was alleged to have made statements that were "offensive and uncomfortable" to the state government, as well as remarks capable of "causing a breach of public peace". The court, after listening to submissions, refused to grant bail on the grounds that the application had not been formally moved, a procedural decision that has now sparked a fierce debate over the fine line between political dissent and criminal defamation in Nigeria.
Adewara, who is also known by the name Sholyment Olusegun Olusola, was voluntarily present at the court after being contacted by a court bailiff. “Upon being contacted by the court bailiff on the phone, I did not hesitate for a moment to honour the invitation, as I willingly made myself available before the court for arraignment in respect of the rule of law and the judicial process,” he said. His counsel had earlier filed a bail application and made oral submissions before the court, but Justice Umar declined to grant the request, ruling that the application had not been formally moved in line with procedure. The judge consequently ordered his remand and adjourned the matter until June 10, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application. The two-count charge on which the PDP spokesman was arraigned borders on alleged defamation of the governor and statements that the prosecution claims were capable of causing public disturbance. While the exact wording of the alleged offensive remarks has not been made public, the prosecution’s stance is that the statements went beyond legitimate political criticism and bordered on incitement.
Reacting to the development, Adewara expressed disappointment but said he would submit himself to the judicial process despite what he called the political undertones surrounding the case. “While the decision to grant or refuse bail remains entirely at the discretion of the court, and though this development leaves a bitter taste considering the seeming political undertone against opposition voices in Kwara State, I nevertheless respect the court and the judicial process,” he said. He appealed to supporters to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could disrupt public order. He also insisted that his detention would not weaken the opposition’s resolve ahead of the next political cycle. “This struggle must continue irrespective of whether I am physically present or not, and by the grace of God, our victory is certain,” he declared.
The Kwara State chapter of the PDP, through a statement signed by the Assistant State Publicity Secretary, Bashir Ashura, strongly condemned the remand of its spokesperson, describing it as a politically motivated attempt by the government to intimidate opposition figures and suppress dissent. The party alleged that the administration was using state machinery against critics instead of addressing the rising insecurity and economic hardship in the state. “It is deeply unfortunate that a government which has failed woefully in addressing the worsening insecurity across Kwara State is now channelling state resources toward the harassment and intimidation of citizens who dare to speak against its shortcomings,” the statement read. The PDP further accused the government of poor governance, lack of transparency in public spending, and failure to provide solutions to the challenges facing Kwarans. It demanded that the governor stop the intimidation of the opposition and concentrate on solving the insecurity that has plagued many communities in the state.
The Kwara State Government and the APC have not issued a formal response to the allegations of a political witch-hunt. However, the prosecution’s decision to pursue the matter to the point of remand reflects the increasingly fractious relationship between the ruling party and the opposition in the state. Legal observers have noted that the case raises important questions about the limits of free speech and the application of criminal defamation laws in a democratic society. While the right to free expression is protected under the Nigerian Constitution, the Criminal Code and various penal laws also provide penalties for defamation, including statements that are deemed to incite public disorder or disrupt the peace. The judge’s decision to refuse bail on procedural grounds has been criticised by some legal analysts, who argue that a remand should be reserved for serious offences or where there is a risk of flight. Others, however, have defended the judge’s ruling, stating that the court was well within its powers to insist on proper procedure.
The timing of the prosecution, coming ahead of the 2027 elections, has added to the political sensitivity of the case. The PDP, which has been trying to rebuild its structures and regain lost ground in Kwara, has often accused the AbdulRazaq administration of using the instruments of state to harass and intimidate opposition members. This case, if the PDP’s narrative is widely accepted, could energise the opposition and frame the 2027 election as a fight for democratic freedom and the right to dissent. Conversely, if the court eventually convicts Adewara, it could serve as a warning to other political activists and opposition supporters that there are legal limits to how they can criticise the government. For now, Adewara remains in Oke-Kura Correctional Centre awaiting his bail hearing. His fate, and the broader implications for political expression in Kwara, will be decided when the court reconvenes on June 10.
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