The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has mobilised thugs in various parts of the State in readiness for Saturday, July 16, 2022, gubernatorial election.
The Osun PDP also revealed that the information it allegedly received, indicated that the influx of the armed men and women was intended at violently disrupting the peaceful conduct of the poll.
In a press statement signed by Akindele Adekunle, the Osun PDP Chairman, Caretaker Transition Committee and made available to our correspondence on Monday, he disclosed that the thugs imported from Lagos were already lodged in various hotels in the State and another very close to the Governor’s office in Abere.
According to the statement, “We have reports that such daredevil hands have been deployed to various zones, including Iwo zone where a PDP party agent was shot at and Osogbo axis where the residence of the governorship candidate of Labour Party was attacked.
“The increasing number of attacks and the unchecked activities of thugs across the State pose serious danger to the peaceful conduct of Saturday elections.”
The party called on the Osun Commissioner of Police Election, Julius Alawari Okoro and DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo to urgently act to arrest the situation, adding that the security agents should not wait until the citizens resort to self help before the menace of the thugs was nipped in the bud.
While calling on the electorates and well meaning stakeholders to reject violence and intimidation, the party warned that the authorities should be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order.
Reacting, Sunday Akere, spokesperson, Osun APC gubernatorial campaign council described the allegation as laughable, stating that it was a proof that the Osun PDP was anticipating failure at the polls.
“APC is not known for violence. Rather, it is renowned for organising proper election and wooing residents to come out enmasse to vote for its candidate, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and does not engage in frivolities like engaging in thuggery,” he said.
Akere explained that the party was more focused on winning the Saturday election through mobilisation of the electorates and was not ready to engage the PDP in a mud fight.
