The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused the Ogun State Government of using security agencies to frustrate its campaign activities ahead of Saturday’s by-election for in Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency.
The party lamented that despite notifying the police of the campaign plans through an official letter that was received and acknowledged, their campaign train was disrupted.
They alleged that their canopies were removed, chairs broken, musical instruments seized, and an armoured tank stationed to intimidate their candidate, leaders, and supporters.
Speaking to newsmen at Tamotoye roundabout in Ishara, on Thursday, the party’s State Chairman, Femi Soluade, described the development as “an aberration in our body politics” and “a display of anti-democratic tendencies”.
Soluade alleged that police operatives were being used to intimidate ADC members, particularly after the arrival of the party’s interim national secretary, former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.
Sholuade claimed that despite notifying the police of the party’s campaign itinerary days earlier and receiving approval, the rally venue was suddenly barricaded and access denied.
He said, “Immediately they notice Aregbesola is around, we are been threatened, they have to stop our letter that has already been granted, here we are to express our grievances and let the world know what the APC government is doing, this an aberration”.
“Let it be clear. ADC will not be intimidated. We are the credible alternative and the voice of the people. Ogun State and indeed Nigerians have embraced us because they are tired of oppression, tired of intimidation, and tired of a government that uses security agencies as attack dogs against the opposition”.
Also Speaking the ADC candidate for the by-election, Mr Solomon Osho, expressed dismay and described the incident as unfair.
According to Osho, the venue was the same used by other political parties for campaign and faulted the police for stopping them from using the same location.
“The party had chosen Tamotoye roundabout in Ishara for its rally but was told by the Divisional Police Officer that the location could not be used as it would block the road.”
“Other political parties have used the same venue in the last two days without any problem. Why are we being prevented? This is not democratic” he submitted.
