Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Hakeem Gbadamosi
Published on 2024-03-01 14:07:30
There is currently a high level of tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State as governorship aspirants in the party engage in a war of words regarding political violence in the state leading up to the party primary scheduled for next month in April.
The situation escalated when President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state turned into a chaotic scene of violence, with supporters attacking each other and destroying billboards. These acts were believed to be carried out by hoodlums suspected to be political thugs. Wale Akinterinwa, a former Finance Commissioner in the state and spokesperson for the aspirants, condemned the violent attacks, attributing them to those in government who may have sponsored them.
The attacks involved the firing of gunshots into the air, destruction of properties, defacement of billboards belonging to other gubernatorial aspirants, and physical harm to supporters of various candidates. The assailants were armed with dangerous weapons, resulting in many supporters being hospitalized with injuries. Despite this, the aspirants emphasized their ability to protect their members and called for an end to the use of violence as a means to achieve political goals.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, responded to the allegations by stating that Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa had ordered an investigation into the attacks and instructed law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible. The governor’s administration condemned the violence and destruction of campaign materials, vowing to take decisive action against any form of violence that threatens the peace of the state.
In the midst of these accusations and counter-accusations, the aspirants maintained that the attacks were orchestrated by hired political thugs and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). They cited the destruction of campaign billboards and physical assaults on party members as evidence of the politically motivated violence.
The call for a peaceful and issue-based campaign was echoed by the governor’s office, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a peaceful electoral process. As the political climate in Ondo State continues to be marred by violence and allegations of foul play, all parties involved are urged to prioritize the safety and well-being of the citizens and conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the democratic principles of accountability and fairness.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
