APC Spokesperson Refutes PDP Allegations, Accuses Opposition of Violence in Ogun LG Election
Tunde Oladunjoye, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, has dismissed allegations of voter intimidation and harassment leveled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during last Saturday’s local government election. In an interview with Sunday Independent, Oladunjoye accused the PDP of desperation, disorganization, and perpetrating violence during the election process.
PDP’s Allegations of Intimidation
Oladunjoye criticized the PDP for routinely blaming electoral bodies and political opponents whenever they lose elections, citing similar complaints after their defeats in recent elections in Edo and Ondo states. He argued that the PDP’s repeated condemnations of electoral processes reflect a pattern of desperation and an inability to accept defeat.
He noted that the PDP entered the Ogun LG election divided, with factions led by Sikirulliah Ogundele and Ladi Adebutu in conflict. He dismissed the PDP’s claims of APC manipulation, stating that the party’s internal disunity left them ill-prepared for the election. “What magic will a divided, scattered, disentangled party like the PDP use to win the election?” he asked, emphasizing APC’s extensive campaigns across all 236 wards and 5,050 polling units in the state.
Accusations of Violence by PDP
Oladunjoye alleged that PDP thugs were responsible for violence on election day, citing video evidence and incidents of attacks on APC members. He claimed that PDP leader Ladi Adebutu justified violence during a live TV appearance and criticized Adebutu for moving around with armed escorts on election day, contrary to electoral laws.
According to Oladunjoye, Adebutu’s policemen shot at APC’s chairmanship candidate in Ikenne Local Government Area, which provoked public outrage. He further alleged that the policemen were not from Ogun State but from Lagos, and that DSS operatives arrested them after they fired on DSS vehicles.
Response to Allegations of APC Thuggery
Refuting claims that Governor Dapo Abiodun used thugs and security operatives to intimidate voters, Oladunjoye accused the PDP of fabricating lies and acting above the law. He shared instances of PDP thugs allegedly attacking military patrol vehicles and carrying dangerous weapons during the election. He stressed
