The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised remarks made by the Senior Special Assistant on Communication to Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Ibraheem Abdullateef, describing them as reckless and insensitive in relation to the death of a PDP member, Hajia Roheemat Aduke Atanda.

Hajia Atanda passed away after attending a Sallah hangout hosted by former Governor and Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in Ilorin. In a statement released on Wednesday by the PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Segun Adewara, the party rejected what it called a “false narrative” promoted by Abdullateef, suggesting that Atanda died during a stampede at Saraki’s residence.

“Contrary to the malicious claims by Governor Abdulrahman’s aide, there was no stampede during the course of the celebration, and the deceased did not die at Dr. Saraki’s residence,” the statement read.

The party clarified that Atanda, who had a known underlying health condition, collapsed outside the premises while returning home. “She was immediately rushed to a private hospital at Sabo-Oke, where she received initial treatment before being referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Oke-Oyi, where she later died,” the statement added.

Describing Abdullateef’s remarks as “the height of political recklessness”, the PDP condemned what it termed an attempt to politicise the death of a citizen. “This conduct is not only disgraceful but also underscores the insensitivity and lack of decency that have come to characterise Governor Abdulrahman’s administration,” the statement said.

The PDP also noted that medical personnel were stationed at the venue of the hangout, a move they said demonstrated Saraki’s concern for attendees’ safety. “Had Hajia Aduke slumped while the event was ongoing, the medical team would have promptly provided first aid before any hospital referral.

This further debunks the misleading narrative being peddled by Governor Abdulrahman’s aide,” the party stated.

The PDP further denounced what it described as “a vile and baseless claim” by Abdullateef that Atanda’s death was a political sacrifice. “It is irresponsible and reprehensible for the mindless

Abdullateef to suggest that the deceased was used for a political sacrifice,” the statement read.

The party advised the governor’s aides to show restraint and respect for the deceased and her family. “Rather than spewing falsehoods, Abdulrahman’s aides should focus on advising their principal to urgently address the growing insecurity that continues to claim innocent lives across Kwara State,” it added.