Tensions Flare Between Abiodun, Adebutu As APC Sweeps Ogun LG Elections
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has claimed victory in all 20 local government chairmanship and 236 councillor positions in the council elections held in Ogun State on Saturday. This outcome was announced by the Chairman of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, Babatunde Osibodu, on Sunday at the commission’s headquarters in Abeokuta.
According to Osibodu, 19 political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, participated in the elections. However, the polls were overshadowed by allegations of violence and electoral misconduct.
Allegations of Violence and Intimidation
The Ogun State government accused Oladipupo Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, of orchestrating violence during the elections. In a statement by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, it was alleged that Adebutu assembled armed policemen and thugs to disrupt the polls in Ikenne Local Government.
Adeniran claimed that during the incident, the Vice Chairman-elect of Ikenne Local Government, Mohammed Efuwape, narrowly escaped an attack, while another individual, identified as Biola, sustained severe injuries from gunfire and is currently receiving treatment. The statement also alleged attempts to snatch ballot boxes and disrupt the electoral process.
PDP’s Counterclaim
In response, Adebutu’s media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, dismissed the allegations as baseless and accused the APC-led state government of using thuggery and intimidation to suppress voters in Ogun East. Orekoya provided a contrasting account, stating that Adebutu’s residence was attacked by armed thugs, resulting in the shooting of a policeman attached to Adebutu’s security detail.
He further alleged that armed policemen and security operatives stormed Adebutu’s home without a valid arrest warrant, holding him hostage for nearly an hour before leaving.
A Tense Political Climate
The council elections in Ogun State reflect ongoing political tensions between the APC and PDP, raising concerns about the fairness and credibility of the electoral process. The allegations of violence and intimidation underscore the need for stronger enforcement of electoral laws and peaceful conduct during elections.
As Ogun State prepares for future polls, stakeholders must address these challenges to restore public confidence in the electoral system and ensure the protection of voters’ rights.
