PDP accuses APC ‘thugs’ of attacking members in Ondo

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Akure South Chapter, on Friday accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using thugs to unleash violent attacks on its members during a ward meeting in Akure, the state capital.

According to the Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee in the council area, Ogedengbe, the thugs, 13 in number who were armed with weapons, were shouting the slogan of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa before the attack at Odopetu.

Ogedengbe said the situation poses a threat to the governorship election in the state, and urged the governor to rein in his supporters.

He said: “The uninvited assailants were reportedly shouting the APC governorship candidate’s campaign slogan, “Odatiwa, odirorun,” before disrupting the peaceful gathering. The attack left many members injured to varying degrees, while others fled for safety.

“The attackers, numbering about thirteen (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.

“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, it is evident that 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.”

Meanwhile, the APC, which described the allegation as baseless, urged the opposition party to focus on an issue-based campaign.

The Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, who disclosed that APC will not engage in such acts, stressed that APC was committed to peaceful and credible elections.

“Rather than rushing to judgement, the PDP should allow the police to conclude their investigation, which they themselves initiated. It’s essential to prioritise facts over speculation and political manipulation.

“The PDP’s hasty accusations are clearly 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 up 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.”