…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
The Coalition of Registered Political Parties in Ogun State has called on the Nigerian police in the state not to allow themselves to be manipulated by Governor Dapo Abiodun to disrupt democracy.
The coalition expressed this position in response to the N2 billion vote-buying allegations leveled against Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The police had submitted a report to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) indicting Adebutu.
According to the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Olademeji Yomi, the report has been submitted, and it is now up to INEC and the AGF to determine how to proceed.
Adebutu has yet to respond to the allegations and has not honored the police invitation.
The coalition, which includes several political parties such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Action Alliance (AA), came to Adebutu’s defense.
They accused Governor Abiodun and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), of using the police to intimidate other parties and their candidates.
During a press briefing in Abeokuta, the state capital, Tony Ojeshina, the SDP governorship candidate, spoke on behalf of the coalition.
He urged Governor Abiodun to focus on the cases before the election petition tribunal rather than engaging in propaganda, media bullying, trial by rumor, and name-calling.
Ojeshina stated that the coalition is aware of the governor’s attempts to distract attention from the tribunal petition.
The coalition advised the Nigeria Police Force not to be a tool of coercion and intimidation in the hands of Governor Abiodun, who they believe has limited time remaining as the Governor of Ogun State.
They called on Abiodun to defend himself and his party against the evidence presented, rather than resorting to propaganda and media trial.
They accused Abiodun and the APC of attempting to suppress Adebutu’s bid to reclaim the mandate of the people of Ogun State.
The coalition also criticized Abiodun’s tactics of media trial, blackmail, name-calling, and spreading rumors about Adebutu.
They claimed that it was a deliberate attempt to divert attention from Abiodun’s transgressions in the electoral process and create distractions for the tribunal.
The coalition remains steadfast in their support for Adebutu and his pursuit of justice in the electoral dispute.