The Ondo State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have engaged in a blame game over alleged plans to disrupt the upcoming governorship election on November 16. In a statement released on Wednesday, Ayo Fadaka, Special Adviser to the PDP Campaign Organisation, claimed the APC has set up centers across the state to harbor thugs with the intention of instigating violence before and during the election.
According to Fadaka, the PDP is concerned by the recent establishment of a security committee led by Chief Tunji Adeleye, the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps. The PDP alleged that this move is an attempt to involve the Amotekun Corps in election-related activities. “We firmly place on record that Adeleye’s appointment is an attempt to misuse the Amotekun Corps for activities like hooliganism,” the PDP stated, further alleging that the APC had opened “barracks” for thugs and is using hotel facilities to prepare them.
In response, APC Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the allegations as baseless, describing them as the PDP’s “figment of imagination.” Otaloro refuted claims that the Amotekun Corps is involved with the APC’s election activities, asserting that the security outfit is neutral and committed to protecting the people. “The Amotekun Corps is a professional body, not involved in politics,” Otaloro said, adding that the APC’s campaign focuses on issues, not misinformation.
Otaloro also accused the PDP of deflecting from its lack of preparation by making unfounded claims. He urged security agencies to investigate the PDP’s allegations and called on voters to disregard what he described as “baseless allegations” by the opposition. He emphasized that the APC’s campaign remains focused on “real issues that affect the lives of Ondo State residents.”
As the election date approaches, both parties continue to exchange accusations, with the PDP insisting on preventive action from security agencies to curb any potential violence, while the APC counters that the allegations are mere distractions from the PDP’s campaign weaknesses.
