The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 election, Oladipupo Adebutu, has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration of borrowing excessively without any significant developmental achievements to show for it.

Adebutu made this assertion during a press conference held on Monday in Abeokuta, where he also described the recently concluded local government election as the worst in Ogun State’s 48-year history.

Flanked by the PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella; Secretary, Hon. Sunday Solarin; and Legal Adviser, Mr. Muyiwa Obanewa, Adebutu alleged that the election, conducted last Saturday, was marred by electoral malpractices, violence, and blatant disregard for democratic principles.

Expressing his dismay, Adebutu criticized Governor Abiodun’s administration for its poor performance and accused the government of accumulating more debt than all past administrations combined, with no tangible results to justify the borrowing.

“I have no personal issues with Governor Abiodun, but I must speak on his administration’s poor performance. This is a government that has borrowed excessively with nothing to show for it.

And now, under his watch, Ogun State has witnessed an election that ranks as the worst in the history of one of Nigeria’s leading states,” Adebutu added.

According to Adebutu, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) rigged the exercise in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He stated that out of the 5,442 polling units in the state, elections did not take place in over 4,000 units, raising serious questions about the credibility of the announced results.

“Our rights were trampled upon on Saturday,” Adebutu said.

“Military personnel were unleashed on civilians, while the residences of PDP leaders were invaded. Hoodlums attacked my household, and one of my security aides was shot, with his rifle carted away. This election was nothing but a scam.”

He further alleged that a transport union leader, identified as Efele, was seen driving around in a convoy of policemen, intimidating PDP supporters and disrupting the election in Odogbolu Local Government Area.

Adebutu also claimed that soldiers arrested voters and transported them to barracks in Ilese-Ijebu, thereby disenfranchising them.

The PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella, also condemned the election process, describing it as a “shameful charade.” He stated that despite assurances from OGSIEC about conducting a free and fair election, the electoral body failed to deliver on its promise.

“There was no election in over 4,000 polling units, yet results were announced. The unleashing of thugs and soldiers on opposition party members is not only despicable but also a dangerous precedent,” Tella said.

The PDP leaders called for a review of the electoral process in the state and urged stakeholders to hold the Abiodun administration accountable for what they described as an assault on democracy.

The Ogun State Government, on Monday, described as tissues of lies, the allegation made by the defeated governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ladi Adebutu, against Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Adebutu, at a press conference, had alleged that Governor Dapo Abiodun moved around during Saturday’s local government election with armed military personnel and the police to unleash violence on the people.

But the state government, through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, described Adebutu as a drowning man who is finding someone to drag with him into the abyss.

Akinmade, in the statement, noted that Ogun State has not witnessed any political violence since Abiodun assumed office, a testament to his peaceful mien.

He noted that contrary to Adebutu’s falsehood, Prince Abiodun had, immediately after voting, headed home straight, where he was until the election, after which he decided to return to Ondo State where the governorship election had just taken place.

He accused Adebutu of political thuggery, adding that contrary to the electoral act, he illegally brought in 40 policemen from MOPOL 49 in Lagos and, along with PDP thugs on Okada who went about with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, attempting to snatch ballot boxes.

According to Akinmade, one of the polling booths invaded was where the Vice Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Muhammed Olaitan Efuwape was about to vote. He was shot by the policemen alongside one other voter.
Enraged voters pursued the policemen, who fled to the home of Hon. Adebutu’s compound where they took refuge.

He said: “Rather than allowing the policemen to be picked up, Hon. Abebutu aided their escape from his house, while only four were arrested.

“This individual is trying to assume the role of the Chief Security Officer of Ogun State and that is impossible. It is in his own interest to cooperate with law enforcement officers by turning himself in, rather than trying to exonerate himself from the mayhem unleashed on the peace-loving residents of Iperu on Saturday.

“It is laughable that someone whose political journey is on a downward spiral is alleging that voting did not take place in some polling booths in the State, when in actual fact the majority of Ogun residents trooped out in their number to exercise their electoral franchise.

“As a professional clown whose own running mate said he would have been a disaster as governor, Adebutu spun wicked lies like the current one during his case at the election petitions tribunal, and right up to the Supreme Court where he was brutally bludgeoned for his egregious falsehoods.”

Akinmade further described Adebutu as a “sore loser who is yet to come to terms with his electoral deficit and polarized political structure.”

Akinmade counselled Adebutu to turn himself in to law enforcement agents to clarify why he brought in illegal policemen to aide his rigging machine.

For the second time in a month, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, has been named the Best Performing Senator of the Year.

The prestigious recognition was conferred at the 2024 Classic Africa Merit Awards (CAMA), hosted by Classic International Magazine.

The award celebrates Senator Daniel’s exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s development and his legislative achievements.

Held on Sunday, 17 November 2024, at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, the event also marked the 14th anniversary of the magazine.

This year’s CAMA, themed “Dynamics of Building A Strong National Legacy in the Face of a Security-Challenged Economy”, acknowledged the senator’s dedication to national growth, stability, and sustainable development.

Represented by Otunba Femi Davies, a respected media personality, Senator Daniel expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the honour. He reiterated his commitment to serving his constituents and advancing the interests of the South West region.

The CAMA Awards annually honours individuals, brands, and products that have excelled in their respective fields, while highlighting Senator Daniel’s “outstanding dispositions toward the growth, development, and stability of the country” as key to his recognition.

This latest accolade follows his recent win as Most Outstanding Senator of the Year at the Supreme Special Recognition Awards (SUSRA), held at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos, just weeks ago.

Senator Daniel’s back-to-back wins reinforce his legislative excellence and his significant contributions to Nigeria’s progress. His dedication continues to earn him accolades, solidifying his position as a leading figure in national governance.