A Civil Society Organization, Advocacy for Social Justice & Probity, has raised concerns over alleged unlawful activities ahead of the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, accusing Festus Akingbaso, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate, of recruiting thugs and stockpiling police uniforms.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group claimed that Akingbaso, a native of Idanre, had brought hundreds of police uniforms to his residence and was allegedly assembling armed thugs at a hospital near the Owa of Idanre’s palace. This hospital is reportedly owned by a prominent PDP figure in the area.
The group further accused Akingbaso of organizing several teams throughout the state to distribute money to voters in exchange for their support, a practice commonly known as vote-buying.
Comrade Akeem Ojo, the National Coordinator of the organization, urged security agencies to investigate these allegations urgently to prevent violence and ensure the integrity of the election.
“We, as an organization dedicated to promoting social justice and a non-violent political culture, have credible information that Akingbaso is currently mobilizing fully armed thugs at a hospital close to the Owa of Idanre palace,” Ojo stated. “Additionally, we have learned that he has brought hundreds of police uniforms into his house in Idanre, intending to manipulate the election process and create chaos.”
The organization called for immediate intervention by security agencies to address the situation and maintain order.
The group also raised concerns about the conduct of Mr. Tope Okeowo, a former media aide to PDP candidate Agboola Ajayi, accusing him of engaging in unethical journalism by publishing false reports against the ruling APC in what they described as a biased effort to support his former boss.
The CSO appealed to the management of New Telegraph, a national newspaper, to take action and ensure that professional journalistic standards are upheld by its staff.
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