The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged security agencies to intervene in an alleged plan by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to instigate violence ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for November 16.
The opposition party has raised concerns over what it claims are efforts by the APC to compromise security and potentially disrupt the electoral process.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, Special Adviser to the PDP Campaign Organization, accused the APC of establishing centers across Ondo State to house alleged political thugs, aimed at creating chaos before and during the election.
Fadaka asserted, “We take serious cognizance of actions the APC continues to take with a view to criminally compromise the November 16th election. These sundry actions, which began weeks ago, are beginning to crystallise and given an imprimatur of officialdom with the announcement of a Security Committee under the Chairmanship of the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Chief Tunji Adeleye.”
He further stated, "As earlier mentioned by Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Chairman of our Campaign Organization, we will resist any attempt to drag the Amotekun Corps into the elections. We firmly place on record that Adeleye’s appointment is an undisguised attempt to make the Amotekun Corps play roguish roles, involving hooliganism and thuggery as we prepare for the election. This plan is an abuse of power and, if not quickly nipped in the bud, will be counterproductive with very deep consequences.”
The PDP claimed to have specific intelligence regarding the alleged establishment of “barracks” for thugs in various locations across the state. Fadaka noted, “We will furnish the police and other security agencies with the addresses of hotels and facilities being used for this purpose.”
The opposition also alleged that the APC was preparing to use tactics deployed during its primaries to create security disruptions in specific local government areas. Additionally, the PDP claimed that “fake policemen” would be deployed to arrest PDP members, a move it described as a “clear invitation to crisis.”
In response, the APC, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Steve Otaloro, categorically denied all allegations, branding them as "figments of the PDP’s imagination.”
Otaloro stated, “The PDP falsely claimed that Chief Tunji Adeleye, Commander of the Amotekun Corps, has been named Chairman of the APC Security Committee. This is a blatant lie. The Amotekun Corps is a professional body dedicated to protecting the people, not engaging in politics.”
He further contended, “Our campaign is based on issues, not misinformation. We’re committed to working for the people, not spreading false allegations. The PDP should join us in promoting a peaceful and issue-based campaign.”
Otaloro appealed to the people of Ondo State to disregard the PDP’s claims, reaffirming the APC's commitment to a peaceful election and the continued progress under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
