With the November 16 local government elections in Ogun State approaching, the Labour Party (LP) has alleged repeated attacks on its candidates by suspected thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tokunbo Peters, the party’s publicity secretary, stated that these attacks began on November 12, targeting candidates contesting for chairmanship and councillorship positions across various local governments. The first reported incident involved the chairmanship candidate for Ewekoro Local Government, Alani Elijah Juwon, and his wife, who were allegedly assaulted by thugs outside her shop in Ewekoro. Neighbors intervened, and the couple later filed a complaint at Itori Police Station.
Peters further claimed that similar attacks occurred in Abeokuta South, Obafemi-Owode, and Ogun East, where LP candidates suffered injuries and threats. He also noted that banners and posters of LP candidates in Ijebu Ode, Odogbolu, and Sagamu were destroyed, and rallies were canceled due to safety concerns.
The statement highlighted that Governor Dapo Abiodun had previously dismissed the opposition’s presence in the state, asserting that APC would dominate the polls. The LP interpreted the recent attacks as an attempt to suppress the opposition.
In response, APC publicity secretary Tunde Oladunjoy dismissed the LP’s claims, referring to the party as “barely existing.”
The Labour Party urged security agencies to ensure comprehensive protection at polling units and collation centers during Saturday’s election.
