Prof. Ali Ahmad Condemns Unconstitutional Profiling in KWASSRA Exercise, Demands Immediate Withdrawal or Legal Action
Prof. Ali Ahmad, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and Professor of Constitutional Law, has strongly condemned the inclusion of political affiliation questions in the ongoing KWASSRA registration exercise by the Kwara State Government, describing it as a gross violation of constitutional rights and a dangerous political maneuver aimed at suppressing opposition voices in the state.
In a statement released in reaction to verified reports that the state’s resident registration portal is collecting data on political affiliation, Prof. Ahmad expressed alarm over what he termed the “digital weaponisation of a civic exercise for partisan purposes,” while maintaining that he fully supports the broader objective of creating a comprehensive resident database for developmental planning and security purposes.
Based on credible and verifiable evidence from affected residents and internal whistleblowers, it is now beyond question that the KWASSRA registration process includes questions probing the political affiliations of citizens,” Prof. Ahmad said. “This is unconstitutional, illegal, and represents an alarming descent into data-based political witch-hunting.
Drawing from his legal background and public service experience, Prof. Ahmad warned that if the government fails to immediately withdraw the political components of the registration portal and delete all such data already collected, he would institute legal action to challenge the abuse in court.
It is appalling that in a democracy, where the Constitution guarantees freedom of association under Section 40, a government can resort to data profiling of its citizens as a condition for inclusion in state planning. This is not only undemocratic—it is dangerous, he stated.
Prof. Ahmad noted that the exercise, which originally claimed to promote digital identity for development and security, now appears to be a cover for building a database of political opponents. He called on civil society, the media, and national data protection authorities to urgently intervene before the scheme undermines civic trust and electoral fairness in Kwara State.
Kwarans will not be coerced, intimidated, or excluded through digital blackmail. If the Governor fails to comply with this demand, the courts will speak. The people’s rights will be defended, and this unconstitutional act will not go unchallenged, he affirmed.
Referencing his deep commitment to rule of law, Prof. Ahmad reminded the administration that governance must never be reduced to partisan survival tactics, and any attempt to turn data governance into a political weapon will be resisted through all lawful means.
May our state never again witness a moment where public programmes are twisted to serve narrow political ends,” he concluded.
Signed:
Ayinde Sa’ad
Media Assistant to Prof. Ali Ahmad
Former Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly