Tension as political thugs allegedly attack PDP members ahead of Ondo guber election

Just days before the Ondo State governorship election, tension has erupted in Idanre, the headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area, as reports indicate an attack on members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by alleged political thugs.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, has heightened concerns in the community, as campaign activities had proceeded without violence until this attack.

According to Adeyemi Fasoranti, Director of Media and Publicity for the PDP in Idanre, the assault followed a successful PDP campaign held on Tuesday.

Fasoranti and Bosede Salami, another PDP member, alleged that thugs loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) orchestrated the attack in a bid to intimidate the opposition.

Fasoranti specifically named two individuals, Oyewole Aderemi (known as “Gulder”) and another suspected thug, Osha, as part of the group that reportedly threatened violence.

He claimed the individuals had vowed to “kill as many as possible” to disrupt PDP’s efforts before and during the election, adding that he doubted the attackers would face arrest due to their alleged connections with the ruling party.

Salami echoed similar concerns, warning that PDP members’ lives were under threat from suspected thugs and cultists allegedly brought into the area by political figures seeking to influence the election outcome.

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She said: “We wish to use this opportunity to remind the sponsors of these violent acts that elections should not be treated as a war.

“If you are confident in your party’s ability to win Idanre, there is no need to resort to thuggery or violence against the electorate.”

Sources revealed that some members of PDP sustained varying degree of injuries, among who is one Olowoniyi Akinleminu.

Mr Akinleminu was said to have been rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of the State Specialists Hospital in the state capital, Akure.

Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the state Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipo, has ordered immediate investigation into the incident, vowing to bring the perpetrators to book.

She said the Command has “intensified efforts in addressing the Idanre rivalry incident, which has surfaced amidst preparations for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election.”

Ms Odunlami-Omisanya said: “In light of recent developments, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo, has directed the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter.

“It is important to note that CP Oladipo had previously convened a peace meeting on November 12, 2024, bringing together leaders of the two major political parties in the area.

“During the meeting, he urged them to maintain peace and take all necessary precautions to prevent their supporters from inciting violence. Despite these efforts, however, disturbances erupted overnight, resulting in shootings and a breakdown of public order.”

She said the case, which has escalated into violence and attempted murder, is currently under investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that peace is restored in the area, “particularly at such a critical juncture in the state’s history.”

She added: “The CP has made it clear that the Command will exercise zero tolerance towards any individual or group, whether directly or indirectly involved, who engages in or permits actions that could disrupt the peace before, during, or after the election.”

The spokesperson further noted that the police encourage the people of Ondo State to utilise the Command’s control line on 07034313903 or report any suspicious activities “on our social media handles: X – @OndoPoliceNg, Facebook – ondo police command, Instagram- Ondopolicecommand.”