Ogun State Government Responds to PDP’s Governorship Candidate’s Claims
According to Naijawebinfo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of using armed military personnel and police to unleash violence on citizens during the recent local government election in Ogun State.
In a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the state government dismissed Adebutu’s claims as baseless and an attempt to distract from his own political struggles.
Akinmade revealed that immediately after casting his vote, the Governor returned home and stayed there until the election concluded, and then left for Ondo State.
The statement highlighted Ogun State’s record of peaceful elections since Governor Abiodun took office.
Akinmade criticized Adebutu, describing him as a political thug who disregarded electoral laws by bringing in 40 police officers from MOPOL 49 in Lagos, along with PDP thugs on motorcycles armed with weapons, attempting to snatch ballot boxes.
According to Akinmade, a polling booth was invaded where the Vice Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Muhammed Efuwape, was about to vote. He was shot alongside another voter, prompting voters to pursue the police officers, who fled to Adebutu’s home.
Akinmade accused Adebutu of aiding the escape of the police officers from his home, while only four were arrested.
Akinmade added that Adebutu’s actions are a clear indication that he is trying to assume the role of Chief Security Officer of Ogun State, which is impossible. Instead, he should cooperate with law enforcement officers and turn himself in to face the consequences of his actions.
Akinmade also questioned Adebutu’s motives, describing him as a “sore loser who is yet to come to terms with his electoral deficit and polarized political structure.”
