The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun and the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to prevent it from participating in Saturday’s local government elections.
But the APC dismissed the allegations, accusing the PDP of deflecting attention from its internal crises.
Ogun PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, raised the alarm on Wednesday during a press briefing at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta.
He alleged that the APC, fearing the popularity of PDP candidates, is resorting to various tactics to sideline the opposition.
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“The governor and APC have observed the overwhelming popularity of our candidates and are, therefore, scheming to block us from participating by any means possible,” Tella stated.
He alleged that Justice Sunday Adeniyi, who is hearing a case against the nomination of candidates for the PDP, previously served as the Director General of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s campaign for the Ogun East senatorial seat in 2015 and was a former Caretaker Chairman of Ikenne Local Government under the APC.
He also noted that Justice Adeniyi was appointed a judge during Abiodun’s first term in office.
The case, filed by the Sikirullahi Ogundele-led PDP faction, challenges the list of party candidates approved by the state electoral commission for the November 16 elections.
The plaintiffs argue that the listed candidates are not recognised by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) or included in the party’s authenticated register.
When contacted, the Special Adviser to Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, asked our correspondent to seek reaction from the party’s spokesman, saying “State government is run differently from a political party. It’s the party that is contesting the election.”
Responding, APC spokesperson, Tunde Oladunjoye denied the claims of bias, stating, “The law provides avenues for redress, and the PDP should focus on resolving its fragmentation.”
The ruling in the suit is expected today, two days before the elections.
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