In a recent incident at the Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Isabo, Abeokuta, a governorship aspirant for the 2023 general elections in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has accused the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, of being the sponsor behind the hoodlums who attacked him. Showunmi, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has called upon the acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and ensure Governor Abiodun is held accountable for his alleged involvement.
This development comes shortly after Showunmi had written to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the newly appointed National Security Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding an urgent investigation into the attacks against him and other opposition party members in the state.
In a statement released to the press in Abeokuta, Showunmi detailed the incident, describing the assailants as miscreants and agents of Governor Abiodun. According to Showunmi, the attack occurred within the vicinity of the State High Court in Isabo, where he was attending the tribunal session. He alleged that the assault was unprovoked and solely driven by his political affiliation as a member of the opposition party.
Showunmi emphasized the gravity of the situation by drawing parallels with the activities of Boko Haram, suggesting that state actors might be employing hoodlums to stifle opposition voices. He called for a thorough investigation into the weighty allegations against Governor Abiodun, urging that they not be dismissed or swept under the carpet.
Expressing his concern for the safety and security of the state, Showunmi questioned Governor Abiodun’s apparent lack of response to the unwarranted attack. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, Showunmi argued that the governor should have taken immediate action to address the incident, which had the potential to endanger lives.
Furthermore, Showunmi expressed disappointment in the conduct of the police present at the scene, alleging that they merely stood by and watched while the hoodlums carried out their assault. He called on the Inspector General of Police to recognize that opposition elements in a democracy should not be subjected to brutalization by agents of Governor Abiodun, emphasizing that no one should hold a monopoly on power.
In his plea to the acting Inspector General, Showunmi urged him to impress upon Governor Abiodun and others of his ilk that the fragile democracy of the nation should not succumb to criminal manipulations. He emphasized the need for collective action to discourage such behavior and protect the democratic ideals of the country.
The call for an investigation into Governor Abiodun’s alleged involvement in the attack against Otunba Segun Showunmi has raised concerns about the state of security and political tensions in Ogun State. As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the political landscape of the state and the measures that will be taken to ensure the safety of all candidates and citizens involved in the electoral process.
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