Kehinde Fajobi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has criticised the recent local government elections in Ogun State, describing them as a sham marred by intimidation, irregularities, and breaches of democratic principles.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its South-West Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, in Ado Ekiti, the party alleged widespread harassment of its members across all 20 local government areas during the polls.
Atofarati said, “Instances of intimidation against our party members were widespread across polling units in all 20 local government areas, culminating in the unjust arrest and detention of the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu.
“Intimidation, oppression, undue arrests, and detentions are breaches of democratic values. They are unacceptable and condemnable.
“The Babatunde Osibodu-led Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission was compromised from the outset, with a clear intention to perpetrate electoral fraud.
“Reported irregularities in the election included the premature declaration of results in areas where no elections were held.”
The PDP also accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of complicity, claiming his administration is driving the state into deeper debt while neglecting development.
“Governor Abiodun must acknowledge the impending downfall of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
“His persistent harassment of PDP leaders and oppressive tactics will only fuel a revolution among the marginalised masses,” the statement added.
The party urged its members to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the face of the alleged injustices.
However, the Ogun State chapter of the APC dismissed the PDP’s claims. APC Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, maintained that the elections were conducted fairly and accused the PDP of instigating violence.
Oladunjoye stated, “They (PDP) are not popular, but they are making a lot of noise. What was shocking in the local government elections was the kind of violence perpetrated by the PDP.
“Nobody is silencing the opposition. In fact, they are the ones who should behave according to the law and not act as if they are above it. Ogun State was peaceful before this election.”