A fresh political battle has emerged in Kwara State as Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq takes legal action against former Senate President and ex-governor, Bukola Saraki, over a social media post.
The governor reportedly accused Saraki of criminal defamation and cyberbullying, claiming that comments made by the former Senate President on social media could incite unrest and damage his reputation.
The case came up before the Kwara State High Court, where Saraki’s legal team challenged the suit and argued that the statements in question were protected under freedom of speech.
According to a statement from the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office, the dispute stems from a social media post published on April 17, 2026, in which Saraki questioned the governor’s educational qualifications.
The government’s legal team reportedly urged the court to compel Saraki’s appearance, while his lawyers argued that the case was improperly filed and that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.
They also maintained that the comments were part of legitimate political criticism from an opposition leader.
“Dr. Saraki’s post on Facebook and X being complained of were mere exercise of his freedom of speech and right of reply,” his lawyers argued.
Following arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the matter until July 3, 2026, for a ruling on the applications before it.
Meanwhile, Saraki’s media office accused the Abdulrazaq administration of using the courts to intimidate opposition figures instead of focusing on pressing issues affecting the state.
The statement pointed to insecurity and kidnapping incidents in parts of Kwara as matters requiring urgent government attention.
“We believe that like his earlier efforts to abuse the judicial process to silence the opposition, this case will fall like a pack of badly arranged cards,” the statement said.
Despite the legal battle, Saraki expressed confidence in the Nigerian judiciary and urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
The case is expected to attract significant political attention as both leaders remain influential figures in Kwara State politics ahead of future electoral contests.
Source: Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office / Kwara State High Court Proceedings.
