The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Irepodun/Ekiti/Oke-Ero and Isin Federal Constituency in tomorrow’s by-lection, Mr Raheem Olawuyi, was allegedly attacked yesterday by unknown gunmen.
Olawuyi’s campaign spokesman Femi David told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the APC candidate was attacked at Idofin Igbana during a campaign tour of Oke-Ero Local Government Area.
The campaign team was said to have been led by some members of the APC state executives and party stalwarts.
The assailants were said to have laid siege to the entrance of the town on the busy road before shooting at their target at close range.
NAN reports that the back screen of Olawuyi’s Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was shattered by the impact of the attack.
Olawuyi, his driver and two other stalwarts of the party were said to have escaped unhurt in the SUV.
The party supporters described the act as barbaric and crude, saying the perpetrators must face the full wrath of the law when apprehended.
NAN reports that the community vigilantes mobilised and combed the surrounding bush to locate the perpetrators.
Olawuyi, who addressed his supporters at Idofin Igbana afterwards at 2 a.m, urged them to remain calm and steadfast.
Police spokesman Ajayi Okasami, A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), told NAN that they are awaiting official report about the incident from Omu Aran.
NAN reports that Olawuyi and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the election, Mr Jimoh Alatise, are from Omu-Aran.
Also, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, yesterday condemned the attack on Olawuyi.
Muhammed, who described the incident as unfortunate, said the party would work with relevant agencies to ensure free, fair and credible election tomorrow as well as tight security before, during and after the poll.
The minister addressed reporters on the side-line of a mega-rally of the party in Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area.
He said: “You can see from the enthusiasm and the vibrancy of this crowd. Some governorship rallies cannot match what we have here today.
“There is no cause for alarm because security is guaranteed. We are aware of an attack on our candidate during his tour of his constituency.
“This shows the opposition’s desperate attempt. But I challenge them to try it again.”