The Ogun State Labour Party (LP) has criticized the State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the disruptive protests allegedly led by its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, following his defeat at the last Saturday’s governorship election. In a statement by the State Chairman of the party, Michael Ashade, caution was given to the PDP and Adebutu against resorting to actions that could result in setting the State on fire due to personal ambition.
The LP expressed concern that the protest was a wrong step that could have led to setting the Ogun State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office on fire, overthrowing the democratic process, and democratically elected administration of Dapo Abiodun. This could have happened if the law enforcement agencies were not on the ground to secure the area and prevent hoodlums from hijacking the ill-advised action.
The LP reminded the PDP and Adebutu of the consequences of their actions, stating that it took the professional intervention of law enforcement agencies to prevent what could have led to serious mayhem. The rented protesters had to be dispersed by shooting into the air to safeguard the INEC office from being vandalized.
The party condemned the action of Adebutu and his supporters, stating that if not condemned, it could degenerate into an alarming situation, citing the invasion of INEC offices in some states, leading to the burning of the offices. The LP called on the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Mr. Frank Mba, and other security agencies to forestall all intentions of the PDP to return the State to a dark period as Ogun State is known to be a peaceful State.
The LP called on the PDP to take a more humane step of approaching the court, rather than going on the streets or invading INEC office. They also warned against violent protests, citing the current challenges and the fact that the polity is already tensed up.
The LP implored Adebutu and his co-travellers as an obligatory duty to go to the election tribunal to establish the supremacy of law and to teach the younger generation the value of resolving disputes through legal means, rather than violence. They called on law enforcement agencies to call Adebutu and his supporters to order, so that the State can continue to enjoy the peace it is known for.
Finally, the LP urged Adebutu to take a more refined way of settling the matter by approaching the tribunal and allowing the entire litigation process to run its course. They also accused Adebutu of buying voters on the election day with credit cards and other incentives, and noted that the rejection that followed his campaign was a reflection of his dubious ways of getting to power at all costs.
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