Political Tensions Explode as Social Media Dispute Lands in Court

(Senator Bukola Saraki. Photo by Bukola Saraki)

Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the governor of Kwara State, has filed a lawsuit against Senator Bukola Saraki, the previous governor of the state, on the grounds that his April 17, 2026, social media post amounted to cyberbullying and criminal defamation.

As a result, Saraki's attorneys, led by Mr. Jimoh Mumini, SAN, appeared in Kwara State High Court to represent him.

In a statement released yesterday, Abdulkadir Abdulganiy, Press Officer on Local Matters at the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office, stated: "Mr. Abdulrazaq's main complaint was that by questioning his educational qualification in the social media post, Dr. Saraki's statement was capable of causing a breakdown of public peace in the state."

In their argument before Justice M. O. Folorunso, the government's attorneys asked for a bench warrant and court order to force Dr. Saraki to appear in court.

However, Dr. Saraki's attorneys argued that the prosecution had improperly filed the court case, that the high court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter, which is fundamental to the entire case, and that Dr. Saraki's posts online, that were the subject of the complaint were simply an exercise of his right to free speech and reply as the leader of the opposition to Governor Abdulrazaq's political party.

The court postponed its decision on the parties' applications until July 3rd, 2026, after hearing arguments from both sides.

We observe that the Kwara governor frequently tries to utilize the legal system to intimidate and harass the state's opposition leaders whenever they criticize the policies and acts of his administration.

We think this case will fall like a deck of poorly constructed cards, similar to his past attempts to misuse the legal system in order to quiet the opposition.

We observe that the Kwara State government feels that the supposed defamatory social media post should receive more attention than the state's severe insecurity, where two of the three senatorial districts have turned into havens for bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers.

Additionally, the matter of a social media post that the governor's handlers felt was offensive to him is taking precedence over the case of 176 persons who were abducted from the Woro hamlet in the northern portion of the state and have been in captivity since early February.

The governor and his handlers mobilized the media and their supporters to the court grounds today, as we observed.

The energy and resources used to accomplish that, in our opinion, would have been better used to obtain the release of the prisoners in the kidnappers' den throughout the state.

In order to show that the court case is merely another diversionary tactic, we have brought up these more delicate alternatives that need the attention of Governor Abdulrazaq and his administration rather than wasting resources on the impact of the words he exchanged with the state's opposition leader.

Dr. Saraki still has faith in the Nigerian judiciary's capacity to treat all parties fairly in all circumstances.

Because of this, his attorneys will persist in upholding his stance and making a compelling argument in court on all issues, including this one that stems from a social media post.

"Dr. Saraki hereby urges his supporters throughout the state and beyond to maintain composure and obey the law."

Additionally, the former Senate President would want to reassure the public and all of his followers that the coercive strategies used to intimidate and silence him will be ineffective.

When there are matters of public concern that call for his remark, he will not remain silent.

Additionally, Dr. Saraki wants his fans to understand that Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's repressive inclinations are really minor annoyances that will eventually pass.

This is because the administration will only be in power for 11 months, and the people of Kwara State will completely destroy the tendency it symbolizes.

"Peter Obi's values and style of governance continue to guide the core mission.

Let supporters and detractors alike understand that the Obidient Movement is unwaveringly committed to putting an end to the transactional politics that have enslaved Nigeria.
There is absolutely no disagreement about our basic goals.

"We urge the public and our extensive global network of natural supporters to reject these purposefully planned diversion attempts.

The movement is cohesive, watchful, and united in its pursuit of Nigeria's socioeconomic emancipation.