The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State, Bolakale Kawu
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State, Bolakale Kawu, has distanced himself from a viral video allegedly linking his 2027 governorship ambition to ritual activities, describing attempts to associate him with the incident as false and mischievous.
The clarification followed the circulation of a video on social media in which one Alhaji Saheed Ishola, popularly known as LogunOfe, was alleged to have made comments and engaged in activities purportedly connected with ritual sacrifice in relation to the 2027 governorship election.
The development comes amid an earlier viral report alleging that some PDP supporters visited a shrine in Ogun State and prayed for the death of individuals opposed to the political ambitions of former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Bolakale Kawu.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his media office, Kawu denied having any relationship with the individual featured in the video or with the alleged activities linked to him.
The statement read, “The attention of the Media Office of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Kwara State has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media in which one Alhaji Saheed Ishola, popularly known as LogunOfe, is alleged to have made comments and engaged in activities purportedly connected with ritual sacrifice in relation to the 2027 governorship election.
“Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu has no connection whatsoever with the said individual’s utterances or his alleged actions. Any attempt by anyone to associate the PDP governorship candidate with such conduct is false, mischievous and should be disregarded in its entirety.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Alhaji Saheed Ishola LogunOfe does not speak for, work for, represent or act on behalf of Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu or his campaign team in any capacity.”
The media office also maintained that Kawu had never authorised or approved anyone to make such statements or engage in activities of that nature on his behalf.
“At no time has Engr. Kawu authorised, sanctioned or approved any individual to engage in activities or make statements of such nature in his name or in furtherance of his aspiration,” it added.
Reaffirming the PDP candidate’s religious convictions, the media office described Kawu as a devoted Muslim who does not subscribe to ritual or fetish practices.
“Engr. Kawu is a devoted Muslim whose faith is firmly rooted in the absolute oneness and sovereignty of Almighty Allah. He neither associates partners with his Creator nor subscribes to any form of ritual, fetish or diabolical practice.
“As a believer, he places his trust entirely in Allah and accepts His divine decree, knowing that victory, honour and authority come only by His will,” it stated.
The media office further stressed that Kawu’s governorship ambition was driven by a desire to serve the people rather than by desperation for political office.
“Engr. Kawu does not regard the governorship contest as a do-or-die affair. His aspiration is driven solely by a sincere desire to serve the people of Kwara State through purposeful leadership, responsible governance and people-centred development,” the statement added.
According to the media office, its focus remains on restoring security, rebuilding public confidence, promoting prosperity and safeguarding the future of residents of the state.
It urged members of the public to ignore attempts to link Kawu or the PDP to the alleged ritual activities depicted in the viral video.
“Those who seek to drag his name into matters inconsistent with his values and beliefs are merely pursuing their own agenda and should desist forthwith,” it stated.
The media office added that Kawu remained committed to conducting a peaceful, issue-based campaign anchored on integrity, respect for the rule of law, faith in God and the democratic will of the people.
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