The Eid-el-Kabir prayers in Ilorin on Wednesday took a dramatic political turn as worshippers at the Ilorin Central Eid praying ground openly chanted slogans against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The incident occurred when the governor arrived at the praying ground for the annual Eid prayers, with his convoy reportedly struggling to navigate through a large and densely packed crowd of worshippers and residents.
In a rare public display of political discontent at a religious gathering, sections of the crowd were heard chanting in Yoruba expressions widely interpreted as criticism of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, and the state governor.
Some worshippers repeatedly chanted that the APC had “fallen like a joke,” while others directed similar remarks at AbdulRazaq, drawing attention from security personnel and bystanders at the Eid ground.
The development underscored rising political tensions in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as political alignments and internal party manoeuvrings continue to shape the state’s political landscape.
Sources at the event said the atmosphere became charged as the governor’s convoy attempted to exit the praying ground after the prayers, amid growing crowd movement and heightened emotions.
Political observers say the incident reflects deepening public frustration over governance and socio-economic challenges in the state, as well as intensifying rivalry among political actors ahead of the next election cycle.
The APC in Kwara State is reportedly consolidating plans around the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi, as a possible governorship candidate, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is positioning former Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Bolakale Kawu, for the 2027 race.
The Eid gathering, traditionally a moment of prayers and unity, has now added to the growing political temperature in the state as campaigns and realignments gradually take shape.
Security operatives were present at the venue to maintain order, though no major incident of violence was recorded during the prayers.
Meanwhile, the political undertone of the chants has continued to generate reactions across social and political circles in Kwara State, with analysts warning that public discontent, if unchecked, could further heighten tensions ahead of the polls.
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