The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has condemned the recent local government elections in Ogun State, alleging widespread irregularities and intimidation.
The party described the exercise as a sham and a significant breach of democratic principles.
The South-West Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Sanya Atofarati, issued a statement on Sunday in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, detailing the party’s grievances.
“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 stated.
He further condemned the tactics allegedly used during the election, adding, “Intimidation, oppression, undue arrests, and detentions are breaches of democratic values. They are unacceptable and condemnable.”
Atofarati accused the Babatunde Osibodu-led Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) of being compromised. “The commission was biased from the outset, with a clear intention to perpetrate electoral fraud. Reported irregularities included premature declaration of results in areas where no elections were conducted,” he said.
The PDP also criticized Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, alleging complicity in the election misconduct. “Governor Abiodun must acknowledge the impending downfall of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state,” the statement read.
The party further accused the governor of oppressive tactics, claiming, “His persistent harassment of PDP leaders will only fuel a revolution among the marginalised masses. Ogun State currently faces significant debt and stagnation under the APC’s governance.”
Despite its grievances, the PDP called on its members to remain law-abiding and peaceful in the face of the alleged irregularities. “We urge our members to uphold the law and remain calm,” the South-West chapter stated.
In response, the APC Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye, dismissed the allegations and insisted the elections were conducted transparently. “The council elections followed due process,” he said, accusing the PDP of violence during the polls.
Oladunjoye added, “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. Nobody is silencing the opposition. In fact, they should behave according to the law and not act as if they are above it. Ogun State was peaceful before this election.”
