Some political figures in Kwara State have admitted deliberately linking former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, to the infamous Offa bank robbery in 2018 to settle political scores.

The politicians made the admission during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign tour of Kwara South Senatorial District, led by Saraki, where they expressed regret over their roles in the political movement that led to his removal from power.

The Offa bank robbery, which claimed more than 25 lives, including police officers, has remained a major controversy in Kwara politics, with the state government prosecuting Saraki over allegations of sponsoring the deadly attack.

Speaking at the palace of the Olofa of Offa during the PDP visit, the party's Kwara South Senatorial candidate, Saheed Popoola, admitted that he had joined forces with the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the O to ge movement that ended Saraki's political dominance in the state.

Popoola said many political actors who supported the movement were motivated by political differences and had made allegations against Saraki to achieve their objectives.

He described his participation in the struggle as regrettable, saying he had been misinformed about the former governor.

"I regret fighting Saraki because I was misinformed during the O to ge struggle," he said.

Popoola argued that the allegations linking Saraki to the Offa robbery were politically motivated, insisting that the former Senate President had been unfairly dragged into the incident.

He said: "All the money in the entire banks in Offa and Ilorin put together is not enough for Saraki to spend in three days."

He further described the renewed attention being given to the robbery case as politically driven, saying the incident had been brought back into public discussion for political reasons.

In a similar development, the convener of Orisun Igbomina, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, who said he was among those who spearheaded the O to ge campaign and facilitated the emergence of the APC in Kwara State, also expressed regret over his previous political position.

Awoyale said he and several others had become disappointed with the present administration, adding that he could no longer remain indifferent to what he described as the challenges confronting 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 also raised concerns over insecurity in the state, claiming that no fewer than 30 traditional rulers had abdicated their thrones because of security threats, while about 25 communities had become deserted.

According to him, even the community of a House of Representatives aspirant in Ifelodun Federal Constituency had been displaced by bandit attacks.

Addressing the traditional ruler, Saraki recalled his involvement in the selection and enthronement of Oba Esuwoye in 2010, saying he had supported the monarch despite opposition and petitions from other quarters.

He appealed to the Olofa to support the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that his past intervention in the monarch's emergence deserved reciprocal political support.

Saraki said he had personally travelled to Offa and spent the night there because of his respect for the monarch and the community.

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

He added: "When they write about this town and this Oba, you must add my name to it because some people attempted to influence me into rejecting you, but I refused. I stood my ground. Now is the time I seek your support like I did for you in 2010. Kabiyesi, our PDP won't disappoint you."

The former Senate President also urged the traditional ruler to help mobilise residents behind the PDP in the 2027 elections, promising that the party would continue to support the development of Offa.

Responding, the Olofa urged residents and other eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them to exercise their civic responsibilities in next year's elections.

Meanwhile, Saraki donated N50 million towards addressing Offa's longstanding electricity challenges, which residents say have persisted for more than four decades.