Ogun LG Elections, A Mockery Of Democracy – Ladi Adebutu
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Hon. Ladi Adebutu, the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections in Ogun has expressed disappointment over the conduct of the Nov. 16, local government elections in the state.
The leader of the PDP in the state confirmed that no election was held in the state on Saturday, alleging that the LG elections was marred with violence and intimidation from the ruling party.
He alleged that over 4,000 out of 5,242 polling units could not get electoral materials and yet results were declared.
He claimed that the leaders and supporters of the party were targeted by hoodlums and security forces, allegedly sponsored by the state government.
The former governorship candidate accused the state governor of trampling on democracy and the rights of the residents of the state, “by forcing voters to vote for APC’s candidate”.
The PDP chieftain expressed regret that after the party had paid all required fees to the State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) to prevent disenfranchisement, their efforts were met with hostility.
He equally narrated how the secretary of the party was allegedly assaulted, adding that he was also targeted by four armed men who opened fire on him and his security men.
”The police were used against us. OGSIEC did not turn up in most polling units.
”The only places where they knew it wasn’t favouring APC, they beat electorates.
”Our rights as human beings was violated. Violence was unleashed. OGSIEC was unleashed against us.
“Unfortunately, the police deployed against us, the military deployed against us,” he said.
The Party Chairman, Abayomi Tella expressed worry over the irregularities and discrepancies that characterized the polls.
According to Tella, reports from over 4,000 polling units indicated that voting materials were nonexistent, yet OGSIEC claimed that elections were held.
Tella said, in some cases, election materials were delivered, but the number of votes declared at the local government collation centers did not match the figures at the polling units.
“This is not just a mere discrepancy; it’s a deliberate attempt to manipulate the outcome of the election.
“In many wards, there was no voting, yet winners were declared. Where did this voting take place?”, he wondered.
The Chairman also criticised OGSIEC for failing to deliver on its promise of a free and fair election.
“The people of Ogun State came out on Saturday to change the narrative, to reject incompetency, but their voices were silenced,” he said.
The PDP chairman lamented the state of local government in Ogun State, describing it as comatose since 2011. “We are now making a mockery of democracy in this state. It’s not worth it,” he said.
But in a swift reaction, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on media, Hon. Kayode Akinmade described Adebutu’s allegations as face saving strategy and tissue of lies.
Akinmade in a statement described Adebutu as a drowning man who is finding someone to drag with him into the abyss.
Akinmade said the State government has not witnessed any political violence since Abiodun assumed office.
He noted that, contrary to Adebutu’s falsehood, Governor Abiodun had immediately after voting, headed home straight where he was until the election after which he decided to return to Ondo state where the governorship election had just taken place.
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