The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo North Senatorial district has drawn the attention of the security operatives to the actions of certain individuals within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to disrupt and intimidate voters before and during the presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday.
In a statement on Thursday by its Spokesperson and Head of Communication, Barrister Wale Obanigba, the PDP Northern Senatorial District Campaign Council said that the “evil plan”, which was “allegedly hatched at the residence of the Commissioner for Land and Infrastructures, Engr Raimi Aminu was to be coordinated by one Femi Idris and supported by Mr Isiaka Elegberenban”.
According to Obanigba, the “bill boards, banners, street flex and other valuable ads” of its senatorial candidate, Akogun Adetokunbo Modupe were destroyed on Thursday. He described the situation as “worrisome”, and called for urgent attention as the “plan to continue this evil act of intimidation of the electorate and the opposition till the day of the election in Owo”.
Obanigba further said: “In particular, Mr Idris allegedly boasted to have recruited over 50 thugs and had the backing of Mr Governor to intimidate the opposition regardless of their popularity.
“These individuals and their cohorts are obviously afraid of the popularity of the two candidates of the PDP on the ballot on Saturday, Akogun Adetokunbo Modupe for the Senate, and Rt. Hon. Ayo Arowele for the House of Representatives, who both are from the town.
“The PDP is further aware of other coordinated plans to scare voters in Oka, Akungba and Ikare. These attacks began in Ikare Akoko with the destruction of posters and billboards of the candidate of the PDP in the Northern Senatorial District.
“We, therefore, draw the attention of Mr Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, who we believe to be a true democrat, to reign on these individuals, riding on their relationship with him to pose a security threat to the peaceful election on Saturday.
“We also call on the Police and other security agencies to provide maximum security in Owo and its environs to allow people to exercise their franchise without intimidation or cohesion”.