The political rivalry between former Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Kwara State Government escalated on Wednesday as the state filed a criminal defamation suit against the former lawmaker over alleged comments concerning Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s educational qualifications.

The case, filed before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, accuses Saraki of making and circulating statements via social media and newspaper publications alleging that Governor AbdulRazaq did not complete secondary school education.

According to the state government, the statements were false, defamatory, and capable of inciting public unrest.

The one-count charge, filed by the Kwara State Ministry of Justice, alleges that Saraki’s comments contravened Section 399 of the Kwara State Penal Code, which criminalises defamatory acts likely to breach public peace.

The government maintained that the allegations were made without any factual basis and were intended to damage the governor’s reputation.

At the hearing on Wednesday, prosecution counsel Rafiu Balogun informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and urged the court to issue a bench warrant against Saraki for allegedly failing to appear despite being served with court processes.

Balogun also opposed an application for adjournment by the defence, arguing that the defendant’s presence was necessary for the proceedings to continue.

However, counsel to the former Senate President, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), challenged the competence of the suit, arguing that the Kwara State High Court lacked jurisdiction and that the matter ought to have been filed at the Federal High Court.

The defence also raised concerns over whether Saraki had been properly served with court documents.

After a two-hour recess, the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Folorunso, ruled that the defendant was entitled to seek an adjournment. The court thereafter fixed July 3, 2026, for hearing of the preliminary objection challenging jurisdiction and for possible arraignment of the former Senate President.

The development marks a fresh escalation in the long-running political tension between Saraki’s camp and the administration of Governor AbdulRazaq.

Political observers are expected to closely watch the proceedings, as the outcome may have implications for Kwara State’s political landscape ahead of future elections and realignments.

Attention now shifts to the July 3 hearing, where the court will first determine its jurisdiction before proceeding further in the case.