SAGAMU– The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Ogun State Government and security agencies of attempting to frustrate its campaign activities ahead of Saturday’s by-election for the House of Representatives.
Addressing journalists on Thursday at Sagamu, the party’s State Chairman, Femi Soluade described the development as “an aberration in our body politics” and “a display of anti-democratic tendencies.”
“This is an aberration to our body politics, This is anti democratic tendencies, this is not going to be taken with levity, if Dapo Abiodun think he owns Ogun State, Dapo is behaving like a dying king that is already losing authority, he will not drag us into an unnecessary violence. How can a political party continue to to do rallies every other day and police are been use to harass us .
“Immediately they notice Aregbesola is around , we were been threatened, they have to stop our letter that has already been granted, here we are to express our grievances and let the world know what APC government is doing, this is an aberration”.
He alleged that police operatives were being used to intimidate ADC members, particularly after the arrival of the party’s interim national secretary and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.
Soluade claimed that despite notifying the police of the party’s campaign itinerary days earlier and receiving approval, the rally venue was suddenly barricaded and access denied.
Also Speaking the ADC candidate for the bye-election, Solomon Osho, expressed dismay over what he called an unfair treatment.
He said the party had chosen Tamotoye roundabout in Ishara for its rally but was told by the Divisional Police Officer that the location could not be used as it would “block the road.”
“Other political parties have used the same venue in the last two days without any problem. Why are we being prevented? This is not democratic,” he said.
He alleged that the police protection he had enjoyed in recent days was withdrawn on orders from the headquarters, leaving him without security in what he described as a “tense” political atmosphere.
“Everybody knows security is critical right now. I am here without protection, but I believe God is on my side. I want to tell my supporters not to be scared or intimidated, we are the candidate to beat, and we are the party to beat,” he said.
