The All Progressives Congress in Ondo State has accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party of hiring thugs from Oyo State to destroy its campaign billboards, banners and posters erected at “Ilesha garage”, MKO Abiola Democracy Park and other strategic areas in Akure.
It said the campaign posters and bill boards were erected over three weeks ago.However, it was at the Abiola Democracy Park that the PDP flagged off its governorship campaign rally in Akure.
The APC said the destruction of its campaign structures were done by PDP thugs in Ondo State with the help of imported thugs from Oyo State who were accompanied by security officers with OYSST label on their uniforms.
It condemned what it termed infiltration and unwarranted provocation of the people by thugs brought into the state by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the PDP thugs in the state.
A statement signed by spokesman of the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Campaign Organisation, Richard Olatunde, decried the action as an assault on the state’s democratic gains and affront to the good people of Ondo State.
The statement said it was aware of the grand plan by the PDP to harass and intimidate Ondo State people with show of force in order to create a sense of jittery and insecurity ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
According to the statement, “It’s worrisome to see huge number of thugs from Oyo State occupying various drinking centers in Akure and harassing innocent members of the public.
“These imported thugs alongside PDP thugs in Akure challenged every supporter and member of the APC wearing faze caps and T-shirt bearing the logo and image of APC and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN.
“We are constrained to raise this alarm in view of the important event of the forthcoming governorship election in the State. The lives and properties of our people must be valued above political interests and aspirations.
Ondo State is known as a peaceful state with law abiding citizens despite the PDP’s penchant for thuggery and hooliganism. Our people are ready to resist every attempt to bully them into supporting a failed political party that has nothing but violence to show.
Our governorship candidate and Governor of the state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has called on members and supporters of the APC across the state to remain calm in the face of the unprovoked attacks and destruction of our billboards, posters and banners that have been erected long before the PDP planned its flag-off campaign rally.
But spokesman for the Ondo PDP, Kennedy Peretei, described the allegation as false.
Peretei said APC members converged at Fiwasaye-Mobil roundabout harassing people.
“We want to appeal to the Security Agencies to be on top of their game to ensure that there is peace in Ondo State during this period.”