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Raymond Osho
ABEOKUTA– The local government election held in Ogun State on Saturday has been marred by allegations of violence and intimidation, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claiming that its leaders and supporters were targeted by hoodlums and security forces, allegedly sponsored by the state government.
The PDP Governorship candidate, in the 2023 elections, Hon. Ladi Adebutu has come forward with shocking allegations of harassment and assault against Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration.
Adebutu accused Governor Abiodun of trampling on democracy and the rights of the residents of the state, “by forcing voters to vote for APC’s candidates”.
The PDP Chieftain regretted that, his party paid all required fees to the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) to prevent disenfranchisement, but their efforts were met with hostility.
Adebutu while addressing the Journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital on Monday, also lamented that the situation on Saturday escalated into violence, alleging that thugs sponsored by Governor Dapo Abiodun, were attacking PDP leaders and supporters.
He equally narrated how the secretary of the party was allegedly assaulted, adding that he was also targeted by four armed men who opened fire on his security men.
“This is a clear case of state-sponsored terrorism. The governor’s Chief Security Officer led the attack on my neighborhood, and Abiodun was seen riding with hoodlums, “Adebutu alleged.
“Four armed men open fire on my security men. When this was reported they said they should not have been moving around during the election. The CSO of Governor Abiodun was riding around with hoodlums”, Adebutu alleged.
Also, the party Chairman, Abayomi Tella expressed outrage over the alleged irregularities and discrepancies that characterized the polls.
According to Tella, reports from over 4,000 polling units indicated that voting materials were nonexistent, yet the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) claimed that elections were held.
Tella said, in some cases, election materials were delivered, but the number of votes declared at the local government collation centers did not match the figures at the polling units.
“This is not just a mere discrepancy; it’s a deliberate attempt to manipulate the outcome of the election,” Tella alleged.
“In many wards, there was no voting, yet winners were declared. Where did this voting take place?”, he wondered.
The Chairman also criticized OGSIEC for failing to deliver on its promise of a free and fair election.
“The people of Ogun State came out on Saturday to change the narrative, to reject incompetency, but their voices were silenced,” he said.
The PDP chairman also lamented the state of local government in Ogun State, describing it as comatose since 2011. “We are not making a mockery of democracy in this state. It’s not worth it,” he emphasized.
