APC, PDP Exchange Accusations Over Alleged Election Violence Ahead of Ondo Governorship Poll
As the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16 approaches, a fierce exchange of accusations has erupted between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding alleged plans for election-related violence.
The PDP has accused the APC of planning to incite violence during the election. This allegation was detailed in a statement released on Thursday by Ayo Fadaka, Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the PDP Campaign Organisation.
The PDP called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and instruct Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to halt any actions that could lead to security breaches in the state.
The PDP’s statement read, “Due cognizance has been accorded to deft moves by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to compromise the peace and tranquillity of our dear state as we inch towards the November 16th gubernatorial election. Towards accomplishing these dastardly goals, some strategic steps have been taken, and we have decoded them.”
The party urged the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Security, and other heads of security agencies to be vigilant and proactive in addressing potential threats of violence. The PDP emphasized the importance of timely intervention to prevent disruptions in the state’s electoral process.
In response, Steve Otaloro, the APC Director of Media and Publicity, dismissed the PDP’s claims as unfounded and intended to deflect attention from the PDP’s own shortcomings.
He stated, “The governor’s commitment to peace and security in Ondo State is unwavering, and we reject any insinuation that he plans to cause a security breach. Every action taken by the government on security is a legitimate effort to enhance security in the state, and we will not be swayed by the PDP’s mischievous interpretation.”
Otaloro also refuted the PDP’s attempt to link Governor Aiyedatiwa to any acts of violence or intimidation. He described the governor’s leadership as marked by inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all citizens.
“We urge the PDP to focus on issue-based campaigning rather than resorting to unfounded allegations and scaremongering. The people of Ondo State deserve better,” Otaloro added.
