The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Odun State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)of peddling lies to mislead the police authorities over the Ilesa attack.
It urged the police authorities and other relevant security operatives not to do the APC bidding saying it was part of a calculated attempt to subvert the democratic process in the state.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, the PDP described it as the height of evil for the APC to inflict violence on its members in Ilesa on Wednesday—to now turn around and play the victim.
The party called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Muhammed Umar Abba, to reject the APC’s antics aimed at evading responsibility for its violent attacks on PDP members.
Bisi criticized the APC for spreading falsehoods about the incident in Ilesa to blackmail the police, which is already armed with facts and taking appropriate action. He noted that Kola Olabisi’s media antics affirm the saying, “Only the guilty are afraid.”
“Contrary to the lies peddled by Kola Olabisi, it was the PDP that held a rally in Ilesa on Wednesday, not the APC. The APC held its rally on Tuesday, and we ensured that our party members stayed away to maintain peace in the town,” Hon. Bisi clarified.
“But to our greatest shock, APC thugs led by Mr. Tobiloba Famurewa invaded the PDP rally on Wednesday, unleashing violence that disrupted the event and forced our members to disperse in search of safety.
“This was despite Mr. Famurewa’s commitment before the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ilesa West on Wednesday morning, in the presence of our candidate, Hon. Ditti Aluko, to maintain peace and prevent violence.
“Other assailants believed to be APC thugs, who invaded the PDP rally with Mr. Famurewa and attacked our members—leaving two of them, Owopetu Zachariah and Chibuzoh Alex, critically injured with machete wounds—include Ojo Agboola, Sesan Alaafin, Rasheed Saheed, Ali Dodo, E-Money, Nafisal Omole, Awe Mayowa (Apase), Sola (a.k.a. Solebo), Ali Crosser, Tope Alajue, and Sodiq Ogundare.
“Despite the provocation, our party, through our candidate Hon. Aluko, refused to take the law into our own hands and immediately reported the matter to the DPO, who was visibly displeased with Mr. Famurewa’s actions and those of his hired thugs.
“We have gone to great lengths to provide a clear timeline of events, proving that the APC was the aggressor and not the victim it is now pretending to be before the police and the public.”
The PDP chairman further condemned the APC’s consistent efforts to manipulate public perception by portraying itself as a victim, whereas it has been the main perpetrator of violence in Osun’s political environment.
He called for urgent measures to hold the APC accountable.
“While the APC continues to spread lies about the PDP allegedly killing a non-existent member.
