DSS arrests ex-PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu

Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 Ogun State governorship election, has been arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS), the party has revealed.

The PDP Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, Kayode Adebayo, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday.

According to Adebayo, Adebutu was invited by the DSS for questioning in connection with alleged disturbances during the local government elections held on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

The party has yet to provide further details on the allegations, but Adebutu’s arrest has sparked discussions among political stakeholders in the state.

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The PDP has called for transparency in the investigation, urging authorities to ensure due process is followed.

“This is to inform the members of our great party, The Peoples Democratic Party that the leader of the party has truly been detained by the DSS for charges yet unknown,” Adebayo said.

“However, our principal has called for calm and directed that all members of the party, supporters and well-wishers should be rest assured that this time shall pass, it is one of the prices for our democracy.

“Several efforts have been made to secure his bail as at 10pm on Monday, 18th November 2024 either on personal recognition or by a surety but none has yielded any result so far; his lawyers have been informed and they will take it up by tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

“By this release, we want our people and the general public to be duly informed about his whereabouts and to maintain calm and peace until this matter is resolved.”