The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has firmly denied allegations by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that it deployed thugs to disrupt the governorship election in Idanre local government area.
Steve Otaloro, the APC’s Publicity Secretary in Ondo State, described the claims as baseless and an attempt by the opposition to stir unnecessary tension during the polls.
“There is nothing like that,” Otaloro declared emphatically, dismissing the PDP’s accusations.
PDP’s Accusation Sparks Tensions
The PDP had earlier alleged that APC operatives were behind acts of violence in Ofosun, a community in Idanre.
These allegations came amidst heightened political tensions as residents headed to the polls to choose their next governor.
The PDP’s claims raised concerns about electoral misconduct and fears of violence in rural areas, especially those perceived to be strongholds of rival parties.
APC Reacts: “Committed to Peace”
Otaloro, speaking from the APC’s situation room, said the accusations were unfounded.
He criticized the PDP for making what he termed “careless allegations” without conducting proper investigations.
“All the places the PDP mentioned in their claims, was their representative on the ground to confirm what happened?” Otaloro questioned.
He insisted that voting in Idanre and other areas had been peaceful, adding that the APC was committed to ensuring the elections were free from violence.
“We as a political party are committed to peace,” Otaloro affirmed. “We have told our people to allow peace to reign throughout this election.”
“Baseless Claims to Distract Voters”
Otaloro suggested that the PDP was using the allegations as a diversionary tactic.
“They just want to create an issue out of nothing,” he said.
He argued that the locations mentioned in the PDP’s allegations were difficult to access, such as farm settlements and rural routes, making it impractical for APC members to infiltrate them.
“How will you infiltrate all those local areas?” Otaloro asked. “Why would our members even go there? That is not true.”
He went further to speculate that the PDP’s plans might have backfired, leading them to level false accusations against the APC.
“Often than not, maybe their plans were busted, and that was why they are coming up with these allegations,” he added.
Election Day Atmosphere
Otaloro described the election process as orderly and largely peaceful.
He called on all parties to allow the peaceful atmosphere to persist and cautioned against spreading unverified claims that could inflame tensions.
“Since morning, this election has been peaceful,” Otaloro stated. “They should allow it to end peacefully.”
The APC spokesperson also reminded voters that during elections, party members become part of the electorate and should focus on exercising their civic duties without causing unrest.
“No member of our political party is going out to vote as a member; everybody has become an electorate,” he emphasized.
The Broader Context
Allegations of violence and vote manipulation are not uncommon in Nigerian elections.
The country’s electoral history is marred by instances of thuggery, voter intimidation, and claims of misconduct by major political parties.
The 2024 Ondo State governorship election has been closely watched, with the stakes high for both the APC and the PDP.
Idanre, a strategic local government area, has become a flashpoint for political rivalry, with both parties keen to secure the votes of its residents.
