The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned an attack on its members during a ward meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Thursday, October 3 allegedly by political thugs loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement on Thursday by the Secretary of its Caretaker Committee in Akure South Local Government, S. A. Ogedengbe, the PDP accused the APC of masterminding the violence in a desperate bid to reverse its growing popularity among the state’s electorate a few weeks before the November 16 Governorship Election.
According to the statement, “The APC, clearly jittery about the rising popularity of the PDP and its candidates ahead of the November election, is resorting to violence to intimidate the public. However, it is evident that such a desperate party has no other option.”
Following is the full statement titled “A Popular Party Needs No Violence: Akure South PDP Condemns Attack On Members, Calls For Calm”:
“The Akure South chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the unjustifiable attack on its members during a ward meeting at Odopetu, Akure, allegedly by political thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The coordinated attack occurred today at about 4:30 p.m., during the PDP Odopetu Ward 7 meeting. The uninvited assailants were reportedly shouting the APC governorship candidate’s campaign slogan, “Odatiwa, odirorun,” before disrupting the peaceful gathering. The attack left many members injured to varying degrees, while others fled for safety.
“The attackers, numbering about thirteen (13), were armed with various weapons and targeted party members who were peaceful, unarmed, and inoffensive. This incident is both pathetic and despicable, especially from a party claiming to be popular and accepted by the electorate.
“The actions of these miscreants are not only condemnable but also pose a serious threat to the peaceful and credible conduct of free and fair governorship elections in the state. It is, therefore, crucial to draw the attention of the Governor to these ugly acts and urge him to call his supporters to order before matters escalate. Any recurrence of this or similar attacks on our members will be firmly resisted.
“The PDP calls for calm and peace among its members, stressing that efforts are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident has already been reported to the police for further investigation, and steps are being taken to apprehend those responsible. The party assures its members that all legal measures will be pursued to ensure their protection and safety against future attacks.
“As a party, we will not be discouraged or deterred by this distraction. The APC, clearly jittery about the rising popularity of the PDP and its candidates ahead of the November election, is resorting to violence to intimidate the public. However, it is evident that such a desperate party has no other option.
“We wish those injured a swift recovery and assure them that they are not alone in this struggle. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this critical time.”
