Ex-APC Member Says Saraki Was Linked to Offa Robbery for Political Gains

A former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Kwara State, Saheed Popoola, has admitted that he and other political actors used the 2018 Offa bank robbery to discredit former Senate President Bukola Saraki during the 2019 general elections.

Popoola, who is now the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Kwara South, made the admission on Sunday during a visit to the palace of the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi.

“We pinned the Offa robbery on Saraki to settle political scores,” he said.

He expressed regret over his involvement in the campaign against Saraki, saying he supported the 2019 political movement that brought the APC to power because he believed it would deliver better governance and development to the state.

The movement, known as ‘O To Ge’, meaning ‘enough is enough’, was formed to end the PDP’s long-standing dominance of Kwara politics, particularly the influence of the Saraki political dynasty, which had held sway in the state since 2003.

However, Popoola said he later realised that some of the allegations against Saraki were driven by political rivalry and misinformation rather than facts.

“I regret fighting Saraki because I was misinformed during the ‘Otoge’ struggle,” he said.

He also alleged that he was among those who initiated the politicisation of the Offa robbery in an effort to undermine the former governor.

“I was a leading member of the APC then that started the politicisation and revival of the issue of Offa robbery just to get to Saraki. But after we finished and won, it was me that was being persecuted.”

“This includes the use of songs and slogans to associate Saraki with the incident just because of politics. However, God has intervened and the reality is that Saraki is back in Kwara”, he added.

The former APC member questioned the suggestion that Saraki could have sponsored the robbery for financial gain, arguing that the money stolen from banks across the state would have been insignificant compared with the former Senate President’s wealth.

“All the money in the entire banks in Offa, Ilorin, Patigi and the entire Kwara state put together is not enough for Saraki to spend in three days,” he declared.

Popoola also challenged individuals who continued to invoke the robbery for political purposes to demonstrate genuine concern for the victims and their families, alleging that many had neither visited them nor provided meaningful assistance since the tragedy.

The April 2018 attack on banks in Offa, Kwara State, resulted in the deaths of 33 people, including police officers and a pregnant woman.

Popoola’s comments come as the Kwara State Government continues its prosecution of Saraki over alleged sponsorship of the robbery. The former Senate President has consistently denied any involvement.

Also speaking during the visit, the convener of Orisun Igbomina, Gbenga Awoyale, expressed regret over his role in the O To Ge campaign, saying he had joined others in working to bring the APC to power.

Awoyale declared his intention to oppose the current administration, citing concerns about its performance and the security situation in the state.

“Now, I and many others regret our actions and deeds. For the sake of my conscience, I must fight this government. God and the unborn generations will not forgive us all if we don’t rise against it,” he said.

He further claimed that insecurity had forced at least 30 traditional rulers to abdicate their positions, while about 25 communities had been deserted following attacks by bandits.

In his remarks, Saraki recalled his involvement in the selection of the Olofa of Offa in 2010, saying he had supported Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II despite petitions and opposition from some quarters.

He said he stood by the decision of the community’s chiefs and kingmakers, who had identified the monarch as their preferred candidate.

“I recall 2010 when the chiefs and kingmakers decided they wanted you. I accepted you as the preferred candidate against petitions and complaints from many quarters,” Saraki said.

“Some people attempted to influence me into rejecting you, but I refused. I stood my ground. Now is the time I seek your support.”

The former Senate President subsequently appealed to the monarch and residents of Offa to support the PDP in the 2027 general elections, assuring them that the party would not disappoint the community.