The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has expressed appreciation to its leader, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, for spending the first 10 days of the Ramadan and Lenten season in the state.

In a statement issued in Ilorin and signed by the party's state Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, the party noted that Saraki chose to stay among the people during the period, describing the gesture as a demonstration of hands-on leadership.

According to the statement, the former Senate President had earlier deployed more than 10 truckloads of raw food items, groceries and other essential commodities to the state for distribution to communities across the 16 local government areas.

"These items were strategically distributed to ease the burden on households, particularly the less privileged, during this challenging economic period," the statement said.

The party also highlighted the 10-day #IftarWithSaraki initiative, describing it as a unifying platform where thousands of residents gathered daily to break their fast with Saraki.

"The 10-day #IftarWithSaraki initiative was a unifying platform and carnival-like gathering where thousands of Kwarans broke their fast daily with Dr. Saraki. Young and old, Muslims and Christians alike thronged his residence without restriction, transforming the private home of the former Senate President into a centre of communal solidarity and spiritual reflection," the statement added.

It noted that the daily gatherings featured sermons, prayers and discussions on the future of the state, alongside organised meals for participants.

The party further stated that during the period, Saraki deployed a high-powered delegation to the Woro community following a devastating bandit attack in the area which reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, with several others abducted and houses, including the palace of the community head, burnt.

The PDP emphasised that although Saraki has not held a government position in the state since 2019, he has continued to identify with residents and support them during difficult times.

"Our party appreciates our traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women organisations, political associations, transporters, artisans, market men and women and community groups from across the 16 local government areas who continuously demonstrated solidarity through their prayers and physical presence throughout the 10 days of Saraki's stay in Kwara," the statement said.

The party prayed that God would continue to protect Saraki and grant him good health and wisdom in the years ahead.