Ondo PDP raises alarm over alleged APC violence plot ahead of governorship election

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a serious warning regarding an alleged plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to incite violence in the lead-up to the governorship election scheduled for November 16.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Ayo Fadaka, Special Adviser to the PDP Campaign Organisation, the party accused the APC of establishing secret centers across the state to recruit thugs intended to disrupt the electoral process.

The PDP expressed deep concern over what it perceives as a concerted effort by the APC to undermine the integrity of the upcoming election.

“We take serious cognizance of the actions the APC continues to undertake to criminally compromise the November 16 election. These actions, which began weeks ago, are now manifesting in a manner that suggests official endorsement, especially with the recent announcement of a security committee led by Chief Tunji Adeleye, the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps,” the statement read.

Dr. Eddy Olafeso, chairman of the PDP campaign organization, previously stated in a media interview that the party would staunchly oppose any involvement of the Amotekun Corps in electoral matters.

“We firmly place on record that Adeleye’s appointment is a blatant attempt to co-opt the Amotekun Corps into roles that could lead to hooliganism and thuggery as we approach the election. This plan constitutes an abuse of power, and if it is not swiftly addressed, it could have dire consequences,” he warned.

The PDP further alleged that the APC aims to create security disturbances in specific local governments, claiming to have intelligence on plans to detain PDP members using individuals posing as police officers. “These ridiculous schemes are a clear invitation to chaos and will not change the APC’s impending electoral defeat,” the statement asserted.

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In response, the APC, represented by its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP’s accusations as baseless. “These claims are nothing more than a figment of imagination,” he stated. Otaloro specifically refuted the assertion regarding the Amotekun Corps’ involvement in election-related manipulation, emphasizing that the security outfit remains neutral.

“The PDP falsely claimed that Adeleye has been named chairman of the APC Security Committee, which is a blatant lie. The Amotekun Corps is a professional entity committed to protecting the public, not engaging in political machinations. Additionally, we do not have a security committee in the Aiyedatiwa Campaign Council,” he clarified.

Otaloro characterized the PDP’s allegations of a planned violent agenda as unfounded and suggested that it was the PDP itself that was attempting to distract from its own inadequacies in preparing for the election. “We urge the security agencies to investigate these claims thoroughly and hold any perpetrators accountable,” he added.

He concluded by emphasizing that the APC’s campaign is rooted in substantive issues rather than sensational allegations.

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“Our focus is on real issues affecting the people of Ondo State, not on spreading misinformation. We encourage the PDP to join us in promoting a peaceful, issue-based campaign,” he stated, urging the citizens to ignore the PDP’s claims and concentrate on the real challenges facing their communities. “Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has delivered on its promises, and we are committed to continuing this progress,” Otaloro affirmed.