PDP accuses Dapo Abiodun of ‘importing thugs’ to harass Ogun voters ahead of guber poll

Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun state, has accused Dapo Abiodun, the state governor, of “importing thugs”  to harass voters ahead of the elections. 

The governorship and the state houses of assembly elections will hold on Saturday, March 18 in 28 states in the country.

Addressing supporters at a rally in Abeokuta, the state capital on Wednesday, Adebutu claimed that the party had uncovered plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the governor, to “intimidate, harass and prevent voters” on election day. 

The PDP candidate alleged that Abiodun and APC were afraid of the opposition party’s growing popularity. 

He said eight persons allegedly linked to thuggery have been arrested in Iperu.

However, Adebutu urged the citizens to remain resolute in exercising their franchise, adding that residents should report any thuggery activity to security agencies.

“Do not be scared. We are aware of their (APC) plans to bring thugs into the state to intimidate people from voting,” he said. 

“I want to assure you that security operatives are already arresting some of their thugs. Yesterday, eight of them were arrested from where they were hiding on the roof of a hotel in Iperu. 

“Be assured that all of them will be arrested; just inform me when you notice any suspicious movement of thugs or people of questionable character and we will ensure that they do not unleash their thugs on the people of Ogun State.

“If you notice any strange movement of thugs in your area, please let me know; send me the address and we shall report to the appropriate authority.

“We will call them in Abuja and report their violent acts to the appropriate authority. Go all out and vote without fear. Stay and protect your votes; let them count your votes and ensure that the results are uploaded.

“Once your votes are counted and uploaded, I can assure you that your vote will count and we will have good governance in Ogun State.”

Meanwhile, Kunle Somorin, spokesperson to the governor, has described the allegation as “baseless and presumptuous. 

“It is a baseless and presumptuous lamentation of a banal, reckless, and rejected candidate,” he said. 

“He (Adebutu) is already bemoaning his impending defeat and looking for who to blame for his anticipated landslide loss.”