The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has strongly criticized the recent Local Government elections in Ogun State, describing the exercise as marred by widespread irregularities and a violation of democratic principles.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Ado Ekiti by the South-West Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, the PDP accused the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state government of orchestrating electoral fraud and intimidating opposition members.
“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,” Atofarati alleged. “Intimidation, oppression, undue arrests, and detentions are breaches of democratic values. They are unacceptable and condemnable.”
The party also alleged that the Babatunde Osibodu-led OGSIEC had been compromised from the onset, with the intention of manipulating the election results. “Reported irregularities in the election included the premature declaration of results in areas where no elections were held,” Atofarati added.
The PDP further accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of being complicit in the alleged irregularities, claiming, “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 marginalized masses.”
The statement also criticized the APC administration in Ogun State, pointing to issues of mounting debt and underdevelopment. Despite these grievances, the PDP urged its members to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the face of the alleged injustices.
In response, the APC dismissed the allegations, describing them as baseless. Ogun State APC Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, defended the conduct of the elections, asserting that the process followed due procedure.
“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,” Oladunjoye claimed.
He further argued that the PDP’s actions were disruptive, stating, “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.”
The controversy surrounding the Ogun Local Government elections has sparked debates about the state of democracy in the region, with both parties trading accusations over the conduct of the polls.
