APC rep behind attack on my campaign, says Ondo SDP candidate

Tajudeen Adefisoye, house of representatives candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for Ifedore/Idanre in Ondo state, has accused Bamidele Baderinwa, incumbent rep of being behind the attack on his campaign train in Ipogun town.

Adefisoye escaped death on Friday when suspected political thugs attacked vehicles in his convoy.

Addressing a press conference in Akure, Ondo state capital on Sunday, he claimed that hoodlums believed to be working for the All Progressive Congress (APC) attacked his convoy to frustrate his chances of winning the February 16 constituency election.

“I am the most popular candidate in Ifedore/Idanre federal constituency. As you are aware, few weeks ago, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo came to Idanre, during his visit, the incumbent rep member, Baderinwa was beaten by the youths who accused him of poor representation at the lower chamber,” he said.

“So what happened now was a reprisal attack by his supporters because those who attacked my convoy were putting on APC caps. So my number one suspect is no other person but the incumbent rep member for the attack.”

The SDP candidate also gave more insight on how the attack happened and denied being arrested or detained by the police.

He said, “Before the ugly incident, we were at Ikota, Ero, Ilara, Igbara-Oke, all in same Ifedore local government area, but on getting to Ipogun, we started hearing gunshots and I saw my party members running for safety.

“I turned my car and went straight to Ilara-Mokin Police station to make a formal report of the ugly incident. From there, the DPO and I moved straight to the police area command before coming down to the state headquarters here in Akure.

“I was never arrested nor detained by the police as being spread by our opponents. SDP remains the most popular party in the federal constituency today.”

He also denied reports that Kayode Falusi was shot dead by a policeman in his convoy.

“As a philanthropist who had given scholarship to over 100 students in Ifedore alone, how would I be angry when I see young guys asking money or favor from me? The attacked was sponsored by those who think I am a threat to their aspirations,” he said.

“There is also this rumor that it was one of the policeman in my convoy that killed the late Kayode which is totally untrue. They have done the autopsy and it was a local bullet that was found in his body. I hereby use this medium to publicly commiserate with the family of the deceased, the people of Ipogun and Ifedore local government at large.”