The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for commissioning the Osi campus of Kwara State University (KWASU), marking a significant milestone in his six-year tenure. This event, according to the PDP, represents the first major project completed by the governor’s administration. The PDP’s statement, issued by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, congratulated the governor while subtly highlighting the party’s role in the project’s genesis. The statement emphasized that the Osi campus was initially conceived during a previous PDP-led administration, subtly reminding the public of the party’s contributions to the state’s development. This acknowledgement, while congratulatory, serves as a gentle nudge to the current administration, suggesting that the governor’s success is built upon foundations laid by the PDP. The party’s message blends praise with a subtle critique, creating a nuanced political narrative.
The PDP, while acknowledging the importance of the KWASU Osi campus completion, used the opportunity to encourage the governor to prioritize other inherited projects that they claim have been neglected. They specifically mentioned the Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre, Shonga Farms, and the International Vocational Technical and Entrepreneurship College (IVTEC) in Ajase-Ipo. These projects, according to the PDP, hold significant potential for economic growth, improved healthcare services, and enhancing Kwara State’s developmental status. By highlighting these unfinished projects, the PDP implicitly critiques the governor’s focus, suggesting that his administration has not effectively prioritized projects with substantial developmental impact. This critique underscores the PDP’s ongoing role as a watchdog, holding the current administration accountable for its performance and advocating for a development agenda aligned with their own vision for the state.
The statement further emphasized the potential for these projects to attract national attention and economic benefits had they been completed earlier. The PDP suggested that the governor could have hosted prominent figures like former President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for commissioning ceremonies during his first term, thereby elevating the state’s profile. This hypothetical scenario serves to highlight what the PDP perceives as missed opportunities, subtly criticizing the governor’s perceived lack of foresight and proactive development strategy. By drawing attention to the potential national recognition and economic gains that could have been realized, the PDP strengthens its argument for prioritizing these projects, positioning itself as a party concerned with maximizing the state’s potential.
The PDP’s message strategically combines commendation with constructive criticism. While praising the governor for the completion of the KWASU Osi campus, the party also points out what they consider to be shortcomings in his administration’s approach to infrastructure development. This tactic allows the PDP to appear supportive of positive developments while simultaneously holding the governor accountable for perceived deficiencies. This balanced approach aims to portray the PDP as a responsible opposition party, offering constructive feedback rather than engaging in purely adversarial politics.
The PDP explicitly contrasted the KWASU Osi campus project with what they termed “usual road patching, classroom painting, and shoddy renovations,” characterizing the university campus as a more substantive and impactful undertaking. This comparison serves to elevate the significance of the completed project while subtly disparaging other infrastructural initiatives undertaken by the governor’s administration. By highlighting the perceived superficiality of other projects, the PDP reinforces its message that the governor should prioritize larger-scale, more impactful developments. This critique aims to portray the PDP as championing substantial infrastructure improvements over cosmetic changes, further solidifying their position as advocates for meaningful development.
In concluding their statement, the PDP reiterated its commitment to constructive criticism and holding the governor accountable. They emphasized their dedication to the interests of the people and the progress of Kwara State, contrasting their approach with what they described as “destructive propaganda and cheap politics.” This concluding message serves to frame the PDP’s critique as principled and focused on the betterment of the state. By distancing themselves from what they consider to be negative political tactics, the PDP aims to project an image of responsible governance and genuine concern for the welfare of the people of Kwara State. This strategic positioning seeks to establish the PDP as a credible alternative to the current administration, offering a different vision for the state’s future.
