Crime
Ogun PDP Alleged Abiodun On Breach Of Electoral Act, Ask IGP To Release Findings
In a press briefing held today, Monday, July 17, 2023, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, appealed to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the release of the investigation findings on the alleged breach of the Electoral Act 2022 by Governor Dapo Abiodun, Yemi Sanusi, and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The complaint lodged by the PDP accused Abiodun, Sanusi, and the APC of engaging in vote buying, ballot paper and box snatching, destruction of electoral materials, thuggery, and causing harm during the governorship election held on March 18, 2023.
The PDP had initially petitioned the Inspector General of Police on May 2, 2023, requesting an investigation into the alleged electoral offenses.
However, the party now claims that the governor and the APC are exerting undue pressure on the Ogun State Police Command to suppress and distort the investigation findings.
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According to the PDP, the investigation has reportedly uncovered damning evidence regarding Governor Abiodun’s diversion of taxpayers’ money to pay “One Card Nigeria Limited,” owned by Mr. Tunde Odulaja, to produce cards for the purpose of buying votes in the election.
The party also alleges that Abiodun is attempting to suppress the report due to the exposure of various atrocities committed with the aid of government accounts used to purchase votes.
Despite providing evidence and witnesses to support their petition, the PDP claims that Governor Abiodun is preventing the Ogun State Police Command from submitting and releasing the finalized investigation report.
The report is expected to shed light on the extent of ballot snatching, poll disruption, destruction of electoral materials, and physical attacks on PDP supporters and sympathizers during the election.
The PDP highlights the contrast between the swift interim report released by the police based on an APC petition, which lacked proper investigation and witness statements, and the delayed submission of their own report.
As a result, the Federal Ministry of Justice has already filed charges against the PDP candidate and supporters based on the incomplete investigation report, despite lacking the authority to prosecute electoral offenses under Section 145(2) of the Electoral Act 2022.
Expressing concerns over the possible manipulation and distortion of the investigation findings, the PDP appeals to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, who is also an indigene of Ogun State, to ensure the integrity of the report.
The party calls for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need for justice to prevail and for those responsible for the criminal infractions of looting government funds, engaging thugs, and causing harm to be brought to book.
Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, the Chairman of Ogun PDP, concludes the press briefing by urging the Inspector General of Police to fulfill his promise as a true crime fighter and safeguard the rule of law.
Acting IGP, DIG Kayode Egbetokun
Signed: Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele Chairman, Ogun PDP.