The opposition Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, have disagreed over the alleged recruitment of political thugs to rig or disrupt the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.
SDP Publicity Secretary, Oyeniyi lwakun, in a statement, alleged that credible intelligence showed that the governor and APC are “currently engaged in the recruitment of political thugs and hoodlums, with the intention of intimidating voters, snatching ballot boxes, and manipulating the electoral process.”
Noting that the development poses a serious threat to the forthcoming election, Iwakun said: “Our investigations revealed that approximately 25 political thugs are being recruited per political Ward under the deceptive guise of ‘election security.’
“It is pertinent to note that election security falls strictly within the purview of the INEC and authorized security agencies, not political candidates or their parties. This raises serious questions about the intentions behind this recruitment.”
The party alleged that the governor’s “resort to these desperate measures demonstrates his growing unpopularity among the Ondo State electorate and points to his imminent failure at the polls. We recall with concern how similar tactics were deployed during the APC primaries. The SDP hereby warns Governor Aiyedatiwa that the people of Ondo State are prepared to resist any attempt to militarize the election or disrupt the democratic process. The electorate is more determined than ever to exercise their franchise freely and stand by their choices regardless of any form of intimidation.
“We strongly advise Governor Aiyedatiwa to learn from history, particularly the Ondo 1983 saga. The people of Ondo State remain resolute in their commitment to protect their votes and will not succumb to any form of electoral manipulation.
“We call on relevant security agencies and INEC to take note of these developments and act accordingly to ensure free, fair, and peaceful election.
Allegations baseless; they’re idle —APC
In a swift reaction, the State Director of Information, Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council, LACO-FSIC, Kayode Fasua, described the opposition SDP as idle.
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“The SDP, as a party, is idle and for want of what to do, improvises to cover its shortcoming by persistently attacking Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
” Let them produce proof, using an electoral unit as a case study, that thugs were recruited for the coming governorship election. Their allegation is baseless,” he said.