The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has petitioned the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, over alleged growing politically motivated criminal charges against its members and supporters.

The petition was copied to the Inspector-General of Police for information and necessary action.

The petition dated October 30, 2026, and submitted through its solicitors, J.A. Mumini (SAN & Co.), alleged that the Office of the State Director of Public Prosecutions had been filing criminal charges against its members over offences bordering on “public peace, unlawful assembly, conspiracy to commit political violence and alleged membership of secret cults.”

The petition, addressed to the Chief Judge at the High Court of Justice, Ilorin, expressed concern that the development could undermine democratic participation and erode public confidence in the administration of justice.

According to the lawyers, the party had documented at least seven cases in two months in the Ilorin Judicial Division, alleging that some of its members were arraigned late in the evening, denied reasonable opportunities to apply for bail, and subsequently remanded in correctional facilities.

The solicitors further alleged that several of the charges were instituted without adequate investigation or proper consideration of the circumstances surrounding the cases.

They maintained that the development had created an atmosphere of intimidation among opposition members and could discourage lawful political activities.

The petition also raised concerns about the potential misuse of judicial processes, warning that the courts must not become instruments of political persecution.

Citing Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees fair hearing and the presumption of innocence, the lawyers urged the judiciary to remain vigilant in protecting the rights of accused persons.

They also referred to the Kwara State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, arguing that the legislation was intended to promote speedy trials and prevent arbitrary detention, rather than facilitate prolonged incarceration.

As part of its demands, the PDP asked the Chief Judge to consider an administrative review or issue a circular directing heads of courts to exercise caution and judicial discretion when considering bail and remand applications arising from complaints it described as politically motivated.

The party also urged magistrates and judges to comply strictly with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, particularly by considering bail on liberal terms where offences are bailable and avoiding unnecessary detention pending legal advice.

In addition, the lawyers called on the Chief Judge to engage the state Attorney-General to exercise the constitutional powers provided under Section 211 of the Constitution to prevent possible abuse of prosecutorial authority.

An annexure attached to the petition listed six cases involving PDP members and supporters, with charges ranging from breach of public peace and armed robbery to conspiracy, political violence and alleged secret cult membership.

The schedule showed that one of the charges, involving Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, was quashed by the Court of Appeal, while the other listed cases were still pending before the High Court as at October 30, 2026.

The lawyers warned that continued detention of party members over the allegations could threaten political participation and weaken confidence in the state’s justice system.

They, however, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to peace and lawful political engagement, adding that it would explore other legal avenues, including petitions to the National Judicial Council and the National Human Rights Commission, should the alleged situation persist.