The Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the humiliating ordeal faced by Kwara State Hajj pilgrims stranded in Mecca, days after completing their pilgrimage rites, calling it an international embarrassment and a stark failure of leadership under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party urged the governor to address Kwara residents on the crisis, noting that pilgrims from other states including Kebbi, who arrived later have been repatriated, while Kwara's contingents remain in limbo with no clear return timeline or communication from state authorities.

Reports received at the PDP Secretariat from Mecca revealed that Kwara pilgrims are still awaiting repatriation, despite assurances from the state's Hajj management team. Officials admitted they cannot guarantee when the stranded group will be airlifted back to Nigeria.

The PDP described the situation as emblematic of systemic governance failures under the current administration, stating: "This neglect undermines the dignity of our people and tarnishes the state's reputation globally."

"In the midst of this, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, as always, has remained missing in action. He is now busy back home playing golf and has refused to provide leadership or offer any concrete support to stranded citizens thousands of miles away from home. This is the height of irresponsibility and a testament to the absentee nature of his administration.

"This development not only endangers the mental well-being of the pilgrims many of whom are elderly and low-income earners who saved for years to fulfil their religious obligations but also puts the image of Kwara State in the global spotlight for the wrong reasons. It is yet another sad reflection of a government that has failed its people at home and abroad.

"The PDP calls on traditional rulers, respected Islamic clerics, the State House of Assembly and civil society organisations to demand answers and action from the government. Pilgrims must not be treated as forgotten cargo they are our parents, elders, brothers and sisters, who deserve dignity, care, and timely return to their homeland", the statement read.