… Cite Alleged Threats, insecurity Concerns, Say Supporters’ Safety Outweighs Ambition
Daud Olatunji
The political group supporting former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has explained why it advised him to withdraw from the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary election scheduled for Monday, citing alleged threats, rising tension and safety concerns for supporters.
The group, operating under the BATOGD Movement In a statement jointly signed by 35 political associates drawn from across Ogun East senatorial district, titled, “Our Ebenezeri,” said its decision followed what it called “strange movements” and intimidation allegedly targeted at its members ahead of the primary.
The aides said while they had remained committed to the All Progressives Congress since joining the party, recent developments had made participation in the exercise unsafe for their supporters.
They claimed that in recent days, “miscreants” had been mobilised and positioned in strategic areas, while alleged agents of the state government were issuing threats against their supporters, a situation they said raised fears of possible violence during the primary election.
“We have followed our principal to all the nooks and crannies of Ogun East Senatorial District empowering the people,” the statement read, adding that the political goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had been supportive to their activities.
However, the group said the prevailing atmosphere contradicted the principles of democratic competition, insisting that the safety of supporters could not be compromised for political ambition.
“What we have experienced in recent times is at variance with the principles of a democratic system where fair play is the minimum expectation,” they stated.
They further alleged that the situation on the ground ahead of the primary confirmed their fears, adding that participation under such conditions would expose their supporters to “unnecessary danger and mayhem.”
On that basis, the group said it had advised Otunba Gbenga Daniel to withdraw from the senatorial primary election.
“We also hereby advise our supporters to stay away from the venues of the senatorial party primary election for their own safety,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Daniel’s media aide, Steve Oliyide, confirmed the withdrawal, saying the decision was taken in the interest of supporters’ safety.
“Yes, because we cannot put our supporters in harm’s way. Their safety is more of our concern than the contest,” Oliyide said.
He, however, noted that the former governor remained open to participation if conditions improved, stressing that credible and peaceful elections were a prerequisite.
“If the party is ready to conduct a free and fair election and can guarantee the safety of our members, then we are game,” he added.
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