By Ayomide Otitoju
The Ogun State Government has dismissed allegations made by Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 governorship election, describing them as baseless and misleading.
Adebutu had accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of orchestrating violence during the state’s local government elections on Saturday, claiming the governor moved around with armed military personnel and police to intimidate voters.
Responding in a statement, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said Adebutu’s claims were a desperate attempt to tarnish the governor’s reputation. He described Adebutu as “a drowning man trying to drag others into the abyss.”
Akinmade emphasized that Ogun State has maintained a peaceful political climate since Governor Abiodun assumed office. He refuted the allegations, stating that the governor cast his vote and immediately returned home, later traveling to Ondo State.
The government accused Adebutu of engaging in political thuggery, alleging that he illegally deployed 40 policemen from Lagos State’s MOPOL 49 and armed PDP thugs to disrupt the elections. Akinmade claimed the group attempted to snatch ballot boxes, leading to violence at some polling stations, including one where the Vice Chairman of Ikenne Local Government was reportedly shot.
PDP Candidate Arrested by DSS Over Election Violence
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly detained Ladi Adebutu in connection with alleged disturbances during the elections. The Ogun PDP Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, confirmed the arrest in a statement.
“Efforts to secure his release as of Monday night have been unsuccessful,” Adebayo stated, urging party members and supporters to remain calm while the issue is resolved.
Revised Edo Budget Signed Into Law
In a separate development, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo signed a revised N485 billion supplementary budget into law on Monday. The budget, swiftly passed by the Edo State House of Assembly, aims to accelerate the state’s development projects.
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, who led the legislative delegation to the signing ceremony, commended the governor’s commitment to infrastructure and pledged the Assembly’s continued support.
US Warns Against Hosting Hamas Leaders
In international news, the United States has warned countries, including Turkey, against hosting Hamas leaders. The State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, reiterated during a press briefing that “there can be no more business as usual with Hamas,” urging nations to take a firm stance against the group.
Miller’s remarks followed reports that some Hamas leaders had relocated from Qatar to Turkey. He emphasized that Hamas leaders accused of terrorism should face justice, noting that some have been indicted in the United States.
These statements come amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and a suspension of Qatari-mediated ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
