Ogun Guber Poll: Thugs Invade Tribunal, Disrupt Proceedings
- Attack Segun Sowunmi, PDP chieftains
A Group of thugs allegedly loyal to the ruling All Progressives congress (APC) on Monday invaded and disrupted proceedings at the governorship election petitions Tribunal currently sitting in Isabo, Ogun State
The alleged invasion saw the Court hurriedly adjourning its hearing on the case filed by opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the outcome of the March 18 governorship poll as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Reports indicated that the incident took place despite the heavy presence of security agents at the venue. It was also noticed that the road leading to the venue within the magistrates’ court premises at Isabo was condoned off by a combined team of security operatives.
And seen parading the area were quite a large number of perceived political thugs on hand to support their parties as the tribunal began sitting and some of them were seen flaunting long canes as a minor clash broke out between APC and the PDP supporters
However, the quick intervention of fully armed security operatives, comprising the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), brought the situation under control and peace was restored.
According to a PDP chieftain, Segun Sowunmi, himself and several party’s supporters were attacked and wounded during the incident with some of the victims currently receiving treatment in different hospitals across Abeokuta, the State capital.
Sowunmi alleged the attack may be aimed at preventing the Tribunal from hearing and admitting evidence that could nullify INEC’s declaration of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s second term victory.
The PDP Stalwart, who spoke with reporters, accused Governor Abiodun of promoting violence, even as he proposed that the Tribunal be relocated away from easy reach by the government-sponsored thugs.
He further said; “Dapo Abiodun has turned Ogun state into a bloodbath. He cannot rig this election and claim that people should not present evidences of his malpractice.
“We are appealing to President Tinubu to relocate the tribunal out of Ogun state to where all parties can feel safe without intimidation.”
However, neither the State Government nor the ruling APC have volunteered any statement on the unfortunate incident as at the time of time report
Meanwhile, the Ogun Police Command is yet to react to reports on the alleged invasion and disruption of the Tribunal’s proceedings by the so-called APC thugs.
Mr Abiodun was returned by the electoral umpire as the duly elected governor with a total votes of 276,298 votes against his PDP opponent, Ladi Adebutu who was credited with scoring 262,383 votes during the election.
