‘Thugs attack’ PDP members in Ondo ahead of guber poll

Suspected political thugs have reportedly injured six members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre LGA of Ondo state.

The attack occurred two days before the off-cycle governorship election, which is scheduled to be held on November 16.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, and Sola Ebiseni, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), are major contenders in the election.

Adeyemi Fasoranti, PDP director of media and publicity in Ondo, alleged that assailants were sponsored by the ruling APC to cause tension on the election day.

Fasoranti noted that the attack was due to the party’s successful campaign in the LGA on Tuesday.

“One armed Oyewole Aderemi (Gulder) and another suspected thug popularly called Osha had threatened to kill as many as possible before members of our party during the election,” Fasoranti alleged.

Bosede Salami, a PDP chieftain, added that suspected political thugs and cultists are threatening members of the opposition party in the state.

“We wish to use this opportunity to remind the sponsors of these violent acts that the election should not be treated as a war,” Salami said.

“If you are confident in your party’s ability to win Idanre, there is no need to resort to thuggery or violence against the electorate.”

In a statement on Wednesday, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the police spokesperson in Ondo, said the command has launched an investigation into the matter.

Odunlami-Omisanya called on all parties to maintain peace before and during the election and urged residents to report suspicious activities to the police or call 07034313903.

“In light of recent developments, the commissioner of police, CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo, has directed the state criminal investigations department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter,” the statement reads.

“It is important to note that CP Oladipo had previously convened a peace meeting on November 12, 2024, bringing together leaders of the two major political parties in the area.

“During the meeting, he urged them to maintain peace and take all necessary precautions to prevent their supporters from inciting violence.

“Despite these efforts, however, disturbances erupted overnight, resulting in shootings and a breakdown of public order.

“The case, which has escalated into violence and attempted murder, is currently under investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that peace is restored in the area, particularly at such a critical juncture in the state’s history.”