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From Taiwo Ogunniyi, Ilorin, and Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised separate allegations of abuse of state power in Kwara and Benue states, accusing authorities in Kwara of using criminal prosecutions and prolonged detention to intimidate opposition members ahead of the 2027 general elections, while demanding that Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, explain reported financial irregularities involving about N200 billion under his administration.
In Kwara, the party petitioned the Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, over what it described as a disturbing pattern of criminal charges, restrictive bail procedures and prolonged detention of its members and supporters, alleging that the criminal justice system was being deployed to discourage opposition political activities.
In Benue, the PDP called for a full account of the financial transactions reportedly being examined by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following reports that four senior government officials had been detained and questioned over allegations of contract inflation, diversion and misappropriation of public funds.
Although the allegations concern different matters, the party maintained in both states that public institutions must operate transparently, respect constitutional safeguards and remain accountable in the exercise of their powers.
The Kwara PDP, in a petition dated October 30, 2026, and submitted through its solicitors, J.A. Mumini (SAN & Co.), alleged that at least seven criminal cases had been instituted against its members and supporters within two months in the Ilorin Judicial Division.
It claimed that some defendants were arraigned late in the evening and remanded in correctional facilities without reasonable opportunities to apply for bail, a practice it said raised questions about compliance with constitutional safeguards and the state’s Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
The petition accused the Office of the State Director of Public Prosecutions of pursuing charges ranging from breach of public peace, unlawful assembly and conspiracy to political violence, armed robbery and membership of secret cults against opposition members, allegedly without adequate investigation or proper consideration of the circumstances surrounding the complaints.
According to the party’s lawyers, the pattern of prosecutions and remand orders warranted administrative scrutiny to determine whether criminal proceedings were being used for legitimate law enforcement purposes or to create an atmosphere of fear among opposition supporters.
The PDP maintained that it was not seeking immunity from criminal investigation for its members but insisted that law enforcement and prosecutorial powers must be exercised fairly and without political discrimination.
Citing Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, the solicitors drew attention to the rights of accused persons to fair hearing and the presumption of innocence, arguing that these protections must apply regardless of political affiliation.
They also invoked the Kwara State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which they said was intended to promote speedy trials, protect defendants’ rights and prevent unnecessary detention.
The party argued that late-evening arraignments, where established, could deprive defendants of meaningful opportunities to seek bail and result in avoidable incarceration.
It consequently urged Justice Adebara to intervene within the limits of his administrative authority by reviewing the circumstances surrounding the affected cases or issuing appropriate guidance to judicial officers on compliance with constitutional and statutory safeguards.
The PDP also appealed to magistrates and judges to exercise their discretion in accordance with the law, grant bail on appropriate terms where permitted and avoid unnecessary detention pending legal advice.
The petition further requested the Chief Judge to engage the state Attorney-General on the exercise of prosecutorial powers under Section 211 of the Constitution, which empowers a state Attorney-General to institute, take over or discontinue criminal proceedings.
According to the party, those powers must be exercised in the public interest and in a manner that safeguards the administration of justice from abuse.
An annexure to the petition listed six cases involving PDP members and supporters, although the party alleged that at least seven prosecutions had occurred within the period under review.
The listed matters involved allegations including breach of public peace, conspiracy, armed robbery, political violence and membership of secret cults.
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The party also cited a case involving former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, which it said had been quashed by the Court of Appeal, while indicating that the other listed matters remained pending before the High Court as of October 30.
It warned that continued detention of opposition members under the circumstances alleged could discourage lawful political participation and weaken public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary as preparations intensified for the 2027 elections.
The petition, which was copied to the Inspector-General of Police, called for safeguards against the alleged use of judicial proceedings for political intimidation.
The PDP threatened to escalate its complaints to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) if the alleged violations continued.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, the PDP demanded that Governor Alia clarify reports of financial allegations involving about N200 billion and the reported questioning of four senior government officials by the EFCC.
In a statement issued in Makurdi by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, the party said the allegations raised serious questions about the management of public resources and the financial approval processes within the state government.
It maintained that Benue residents deserved a clear explanation of the transactions reportedly under investigation, particularly the procedures through which contracts were awarded, payments approved and public funds disbursed.
The PDP said reports of alleged contract inflation, diversion and misappropriation of funds required an independent investigation to establish the facts and determine whether any offences had been committed.
It called on Alia, as head of the state government, to explain the financial transactions and the extent of his administration’s knowledge of the matters reportedly being examined by the anti-graft agency.
The party also questioned the structure of financial administration under the present government, arguing that the alleged centralisation of financial authority made it necessary to clarify who approved expenditure and how public funds were monitored.
According to Antyo, accountability for public resources was a collective responsibility of government institutions and officials entrusted with managing state finances.
The party maintained that the reported involvement of four senior government officials in the EFCC investigation made it necessary for the administration to communicate openly with residents and address concerns surrounding the allegations.
It urged the anti-graft agency to conduct a thorough, independent and professional investigation without political interference, stressing that due process must be observed and that allegations should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing.
The PDP also drew attention to Section 308 of the Constitution, which grants immunity from certain legal proceedings to a sitting governor, noting that the provision did not prevent law enforcement agencies from investigating allegations of financial misconduct, although prosecution remained subject to constitutional restrictions.
It demanded clarification on whether the transactions reportedly under investigation were authorised by the governor or other relevant government officials and called on the administration to cooperate fully with the EFCC.
The party further urged the government to ensure that no official obstructed the investigation or interfered with efforts to establish the facts.
Beyond the reported N200 billion allegations, the PDP demanded a comprehensive account of public funds received and expended by the Alia administration since May 29, 2023, maintaining that greater transparency in financial management was necessary to strengthen public confidence in governance.
It said the people of Benue were entitled to know how public resources had been managed and whether financial transactions complied with established procedures.
The allegations in both states remain claims by the opposition party. The supplied statements did not include responses from the Kwara State Government, the Kwara Ministry of Justice, Governor Alia’s administration or the EFCC, nor did they establish the outcome of any investigation into the reported Benue transactions.
