PDP, APC trade blame over electoral violence

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has called on the security agencies in the state to nip in the bud an alleged plan by the ruling All Progressives Congress to cause violence before and during the November 16 governorship election in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the PDP Campaign Organisation, Mr Ayo Fadaka, the party alleged that the APC opened some centres across the state where it harboured thugs to cause security scares during the election period.

On the contrary, the APC, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, denied the allegations of the opposition party, as it described them as mere figment of imagination.

The PDP had said, “We take serious cognisance of actions the APC continues to take to criminally compromise the November 16 election. These sundry actions which began weeks ago are beginning to crystallise and given an imprimatur of officialdom with the announcement of a security committee under the chairmanship of the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Chief Tunji Adeleye.

“As earlier stated in a media interview by the chairman of the campaign organisation, Dr Eddy Olafeso, we will resist any attempt to drag the Amotekun Corps into the elections.

“We firmly place on record that Adeleye’s appointment is an undisguised attempt to make the Amotekun Corps play roguish roles like hooliganism and thuggery activities as we prepare for the election.

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“This plan is an abuse of power and privileges and, if not quickly nipped in the bud, will be counterproductive with very deep consequences.

“We are also aware that barracks have been opened for thugs across the state and we will furnish the police and other security agencies with the addresses of hotels and facilities being used for this purpose.”

The opposition also alleged that the APC had a plan to cause a security scare in some local governments where “they will use their primary election template.”

It said, “Again, we are also aware of plans to pick some members of our party up using fake policemen; all these ludicrous plans are a clear invitation to crisis, and despite all, will not abate APC’s failure in the election,” he alleged.

Reacting, Otaloro denied that the ruling party planned to use Amotekun to rig the election, insisting that the state security outfit remained neutral in the election.

He said, “The PDP falsely claimed that Adeleye has been named chairman of the APC Security Committee. This is a blatant lie. The Amotekun Corps is a professional body dedicated to protecting the people, not engaging in politics. Moreover, we don’t even have a security committee in the Aiyedatiwa Campaign Council.

“The PDP’s allegations of violence, thuggery, and plans to cause security scares are also baseless. It’s the PDP that’s been crying wolf, trying to distract from their lack of preparation for the election.

“We urge the security agencies to investigate these claims and bring perpetrators to justice.”

The APC spokesperson further stated that the party’s campaign was based on issues and not on misinformation.

“Our campaign is focused on issues, not misinformation. We’re committed to working for the people, not spreading false allegations. The PDP should join us in promoting a peaceful and issue-based campaign.

“We call on the good people of Ondo State to disregard the PDP’s baseless allegations and focus on the real issues that affect their lives.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has delivered on its promises, and we are committed to continuing this progress,” Otaloro said.