Ogun LG Election: Political Thugs Attack Labour Party Candidates At Campaign Rallies
Daud Olatunji
As the Ogun State Local Government election approaches, Labour Party candidates are reportedly facing a wave of violent attacks allegedly carried out by suspected thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Labour Party claims these assaults are an attempt to intimidate their candidates and supporters, raising concerns about the safety and fairness of the upcoming polls.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the first incident occurred on Tuesday, November 12, in Ewekoro Local Government Area, where Honourable Alani Elijah Juwon, Labour Party Chairmanship candidate for Ewekoro, was attacked along with his wife outside her shop.
According to reports, the attackers, allegedly APC loyalists armed with cudgels, launched a brutal assault on the couple.
A statement issued by the Labour Party’s State Publicity Secretary, Tokunbo Peters, stated that the victims were ultimately rescued by bystanders, saying,Juwon later reported the incident at the Itori Police Station.
According to the statement, the violence escalated the following day, Wednesday, November 13, in Abeokuta South, when Labour Party Chairman for the area, Honourable Kenny Owolabi, was shot by suspected APC thugs near Sapon.
Peters said “he is currently undergoing medical treatment for his injuries.
Owolabi had previously been warned to abandon his campaign, which party officials believe was a precursor to this attack.
“In another incident early on Thursday, November 14, the home of Obafemi Owode Labour Party Chairmanship candidate, Honourable Olufemi Thomas, was reportedly invaded by suspected APC thugs.
“Believing Thomas was inside, the attackers tried to break in, but he and his family had already relocated due to security threats.
“Upon finding the residence empty, the attackers allegedly left a message warning him to step down from the race.
“The Labour Party further reports similar cases of intimidation across other local government areas, including Ijebu Ode, Odogbolu, and Sagamu.
“Banners and posters of Labour Party candidates in these areas have been vandalized, and candidates have repeatedly postponed campaign rallies due to escalating security concerns.
Labour Party leaders have condemned the attacks, accusing the ruling APC government of employing intimidation tactics to weaken the opposition ahead of the election.
He described the incidents as part of a broader anti-democratic strategy by the APC to secure an uncontested win.
Peters recalled that Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun recently claimed that the opposition was insignificant in the state, while boasting that the APC would win the polls.
“The APC’s alleged tactics are an attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and force our candidates out of the race,” Peters said.
“We call on the Ogun State Police Command, DSS, and all relevant security agencies to provide comprehensive security for our candidates, polling agents, and voters to ensure a free and fair election process.”
The Labour Party urged the people of Ogun State to resist any form of intimidation and vote en masse on election day.
They emphasized the need for a transparent electoral process where the public has the freedom to make their choice without fear or coercion.
The APC has yet to issue a response regarding the Labour Party’s allegations.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Labour Party is rallying its supporters to persist despite the hostile atmosphere, asserting that only the electorate should determine the outcome at the polls.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state,Omolola Odutola said she had not been briefed.
Odutola said she was not aware of the alleged attacks against the Labour Party in the state.
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