PDP Alleges Intimidation, Violence During Ogun LG Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating violence, intimidation, and oppression during the November 16 local government elections, particularly in Ogun East.

In a statement signed by Afolabi Orekoya, Media Aide to Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, the PDP alleged that thugs linked to the APC attacked members and supporters of the party across Ogun East.

The party further claimed that the violence was state-sponsored and aimed at suppressing voter turnout in areas where the APC lacked popularity.

The PDP alleged that a police officer attached to Hon. Adebutu was shot near Adebutu’s residence during an altercation involving armed thugs. According to the statement, the injured officer was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment.

The statement also criticized the deployment of armed security personnel, including armored tanks and trucks, to Hon. Adebutu’s residence. The PDP claimed that over 100 officers stormed the house, allegedly under instructions from the Inspector General of Police, but were unable to produce an arrest warrant for Adebutu.

“It is evident to all, including journalists covering the election, that what happened yesterday was not an election but an exercise in intimidation and oppression,” the statement read.

The PDP accused the APC of disrupting the electoral process, alleging that ballot boxes were not delivered to many polling units and that collation agents were violently attacked.

The party also condemned the use of thuggery and violence, attributing it to the APC’s desperation to regain footing in Ogun East after losing in previous elections.

“We are resolute in resisting every form of oppression and intimidation within the confines of the law.

We urge security agencies to uphold truth and fairness and not allow themselves to be used as tools of oppression,” the statement concluded.

The PDP further commended the media for its role in reporting the election process and called for bold and unbiased journalism to expose the truth behind the alleged irregularities.