Society Gists

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, appeals to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, for the unaltered release of the investigation report on electoral breaches allegedly perpetrated by Governor Dapo Abiodun, Yemi Sanusi, and APC during the March 18, 2023, governorship election.

Ogun State, [Date] – The Ogun State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the unaltered and prompt release of the investigation report on alleged electoral breaches during the March 18, 2023, governorship election in Ogun State. The party’s petition, submitted through its lawyer Ehi Uwaifor & Co on May 2nd, 2023, had sought a thorough investigation into the reported acts of vote buying, ballot snatching, destruction of electoral materials, and thuggery, among others, carried out by Governor Dapo Abiodun, Yemi Sanusi, and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, the Ogun State PDP is deeply concerned that Governor Abiodun and the APC are exerting undue pressure on the Ogun State Police Command to suppress and distort the findings of the investigation, which was ordered by the immediate past Inspector General of Police, based on the party’s petition.

The PDP chairman alleged that Governor Abiodun’s actions were motivated by his apprehension over revelations that may emerge from the investigation. Notably, the report is expected to shed light on the alleged diversion of taxpayers’ funds to “One Card Nigeria Limited,” owned by Mr. Tunde Odulaja, to produce cards for the purpose of buying votes during the election.

“We are aware that Governor Dapo Abiodun is trying to suppress the report because he knows the investigations have uncovered many atrocities he has perpetuated, supported by evidence provided by various witnesses and facts made available, showing how government accounts were used to buy votes,” Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele stated.

The delay in the submission and release of the investigation report has raised concerns among the PDP members, with fears that the report may be manipulated to exonerate Governor Abiodun and the APC, as allegedly boasted by the party and its supporters.

The Ogun State PDP is calling on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the findings of the investigation are not distorted or manipulated. They urge that those found guilty of electoral offenses, including looting Ogun State government funds, engaging thugs to snatch ballot boxes and papers, and causing harm to their supporters and sympathizers, be brought to book.

The PDP further highlights that an incomplete and inchoate investigation report had led to the Federal Ministry of Justice charging their candidate and supporters before the Ogun State High Court based on allegations of electoral offenses.

They emphasize the importance of a fair and thorough investigation to avoid any miscarriage of justice. The party calls for transparency and accountability in the process, urging the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the true facts are revealed and justice is served.

They express hope that the Inspector General, being an indigene of Ogun State, will uphold the integrity of the police force and act as a true tiger against crime.

“We appeal to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to let the world know what transpired during the March 18, 2023, governorship election in Ogun State. The interim report of the APC petition against us has been submitted and released. Let the report of our own be submitted and released, unaltered,” Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele concluded.