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Ahead of the governorship election in Ondo state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, vowed to resist any attempt by the state government to drag the Amotekun Corps into the elections.
The party alleged that the state government had concluded all arrangements to use Amotekun corps in the election, saying the reappointment of the state Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye was a ploy to use the corps to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.
The pecial Adviser, Media and Publicity of the PDP campaign council, Ayo Fadaka, in a statement issued and signed by him in described the plan as an abuse of power and privileges that would be counter-productive with very deep consequences.
Fadaka said in the statement said “We take serious cognisance of actions the APC continues to take with a view to criminally compromise the Nov 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 recalled that “as earlier stated in a media interview by Dr Eddy Olafeso, Chairman, Campaign Organisation, that 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 like hooliganism and thuggery activities as we prepare for the election.
“This plan is an abuse of power and privileges and, if not quickly nipped in the bud, will be counter-productive with very deep consequences”
Fadaka disclosed that the APC had concluded plans to cause security scare in many local government areas, explaining that a chieftain of the party, Folarin Oyenusi, was shot at while travelling with his family at Ile-Oluji community.
He alleged that “barracks” have been opened for thugs across the state and promised to furnish security agencies addresses of hotels and facilities being used for the purposes.
Fadaka “We are aware that “barracks” have been opened for thugs across the State and we will furnish the Police and other security agencies with the addresses of hotels and facilities being used for this purpose.
“We are also aware of plans by APC to cause security scare in a number of Local Governments where “say” they will use their primary election template.
“Again we are also aware of plans to pick some members of our Party up using fake policemen, all these ludicrous plans are a clear invitation to crisis, and in spite of all, will not abate APC’s failure in the election.
“We once again call upon the security agencies to take their briefs seriously and nip all sinister and criminal plots of APC in the bud in the interest of peace in the State.
But the APC through its Director of Media, Steve Otaloro, said there was no plan to involve Amotekun Corps in the election, saying the security outfit is not even part of Security Committee in the Aiyedatiwa Campaign Council
Otaloro stated that the Amotekun Corps remained a professional body dedicated to protecting the people and not engaging in politics.
“The PDP’s allegations of violence, thuggery, and plans to cause security scares are also baseless. In fact, it’s the PDP that’s been crying wolf, trying to distract from their own lack of preparation for the election.
“We urge the security agencies to investigate these claims and bring perpetrators to justice.
“Our campaign is focused 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.”
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