The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by former chairman of the party in the state, Sikirullahi Ogundele has disassociated itself from the actions and statements of Hon. Ladi Adebutu during Saturday’s local government election.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Austin Oniyokor, in Abeokuta, the PDP faction expressed shock over Adebutu’s claim that his arrest and detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) were due to his advocacy for local government financial autonomy through free and fair elections.
“How is that possible? Hon. Ladi Adebutu must think that the good people of Ogun State are gullible. Otherwise, how would he attempt to feed the public with such barefaced lies when it is public knowledge that he was arrested and detained for confessing to incite violence by ordering his security details to engage other security men?” the statement queried.
The faction criticized Adebutu’s conduct, noting that he had failed to show remorse upon his release by the DSS. Instead, it accused him of escalating tensions by inciting violence against party leaders and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, whom he reportedly attacked verbally.
The statement highlighted a widely circulated video on social media in which Adebutu allegedly admitted to ordering his security details to use firearms.
The PDP described his actions as an abuse of privilege, arrogance, and disregard for the rule of law.
“We wish to state emphatically that Ogun State PDP is a law-abiding and responsible organization that respects the Constitution, constituted authority, and the laws of our land,” the faction stated.
It also condemned the misuse of security personnel by VIPs during elections, which it said violated a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun. It called for a thorough investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, and other security agencies into Adebutu’s alleged abuse of privilege and unlawful conduct.
“The arrest, detention, and release of Hon. Ladi Adebutu show that no one is above the law. He should be thoroughly investigated and, if found culpable, charged and prosecuted in line with the extant laws of the land,” the party insisted.
The PDP warned that allowing Adebutu to escape accountability would set a dangerous precedent, undermining the authority of the state and promoting lawlessness.
The statement further clarified Adebutu’s role in the party, emphasizing that he is not the leader of the Ogun State PDP but the leader of the “LADO group” and a member of the party. It reiterated that Dr. Sikirulai Ogundele, the state chairman, remains the party’s leader.
“Lastly, we wish to state emphatically that Hon. Ladi Adebutu is not the leader of PDP in the state. The party’s leadership condemns all acts of violence and brigandage because that is not who we are,” the statement concluded.
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