The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have disagreed over an alleged attack on members of the opposition during a ward meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The PDP, in a statement by its spokesman in Akure South local government, Mr Sunday Ogedengbe, said its members were attacked during a ward meeting at Odopetu in Akure, allegedly by political thugs loyal to the APC.
Ogedengbe alleged that the coordinated attack occurred at about 4:30 p.m. during the PDP Odopetu Ward 7 meeting. He said the uninvited assailants were reportedly shouting the APC governorship candidate’s campaign slogan, “Odatiwa, Odirorun,” before disrupting the peaceful gathering. He said the alleged attack left many members injured to varying degrees, while others fled for safety.
His words “The attackers, numbering about 13, were armed with various weapons and targeted party members who were peaceful, unarmed, and inoffensive. This incident is both pathetic and despicable, especially from a party claiming to be popular and accepted by the electorate.
“The actions of these miscreants are not only condemnable but also pose a serious threat to the peaceful and credible conduct of free and fair governorship elections in the state. It is, therefore, crucial to draw the attention of the Governor to these ugly acts and urge him to call his supporters to order before matters escalate. Any recurrence of this or similar attacks on our members will be firmly resisted.
“The PDP calls for calm and peace among its members, stressing that efforts are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident has already been reported to the police for further investigation, and steps are being taken to apprehend those responsible. The party assures its members that all legal measures will be pursued to ensure their protection and safety against future attacks.
“As a party, we will not be discouraged or deterred by this distraction. The APC, clearly jittery about the rising popularity of the PDP and its candidates ahead of the November election, is resorting to violence to intimidate the public. However, such a desperate party has no other option.
“We wish those injured a swift recovery and assure them that they are not alone in this struggle. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this critical time.”
However, the APC, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the opposition PDP should focus on issue-based campaigns and not on misinformation.
Otaloro said the APC condemned any form of violence and assured the public that its members would not engage in such unwarranted incidents, saying the party is committed to peaceful and credible elections and urged the PDP to refrain from spreading misinformation.
His words “Rather than rushing to judgment, the PDP should allow the police to conclude their investigation, which they initiated. It is essential to prioritize facts over speculation and political manipulation.
“The PDP’s hasty accusations are aimed at painting the APC as the “bad ones” before the electorate, ahead of the November 16, 2024, governorship election. We warn the PDP to desist from future unjust accusations and focus on issue-based campaigning.
“Furthermore, we question the PDP’s motive for hastily going public with these unsubstantiated allegations and for putting our party’s name on it. Is it not a deliberate attempt to heat the polity, create unnecessary tension, and distract from the real issues affecting Ondo State? We will not be dragged into their politics of desperation.
“We assure our members and the general public that we will continue to promote peace, unity, and development in Ondo State. Our focus remains on delivering dividends of democracy and ensuring Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s people-centred policies benefit all citizens.
“We urge the security agencies to thoroughly investigate this matter and bring perpetrators to justice, if any. We also call on the PDP to provide evidence of their claims, rather than relying on unfounded allegations. The APC will not be swayed by the PDP’s divisive tactics. We will continue to campaign on our achievements, vision, and commitment to Ondo State’s progress.”
