Daniel’s Violence Allegation Hypocritical, Baseless — Ogun Govt
The Ogun State Government has dismissed allegations by Gbenga Daniel over perceived or planned violence ahead of the Ogun East senatorial primaries, describing the claims as hypocritical, baseless and a desperate attempt to create unnecessary tension within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, in a statement on Monday, said it was ironic that Daniel, whose tenure as governor was allegedly characterised by political violence, intimidation and thuggery, would now attempt to portray himself as a defender of peace and democratic order.
Akinmade stated that Ogun people still remember the political climate during Daniel’s administration when opposition voices and dissenting interests were allegedly suppressed through strong-arm tactics and intimidation.
He maintained that the administration of Governor Abiodun has, however, remained committed to peaceful democratic engagement, political tolerance and inclusiveness since assuming office in 2019.
According to him, the state has continued to witness peaceful political activities, freer participation by opposition elements and a more open democratic environment devoid of harassment and politically-motivated violence.
The governor’s aide accused Daniel of trying to manufacture tension ahead of the primaries because of fears over the outcome of the process.
He said: “It is strange that someone whose political era was widely associated with violence and thuggery is now raising alarm over imaginary threats to peace under an administration that has been widely acknowledged for promoting political harmony and tolerance.
“These allegations are clearly designed to heat up the polity, create suspicion and possibly discredit a process that may not serve certain personal political interests.”
Akinmade assured party members and residents of the state that the Ogun East senatorial primaries would be peaceful, transparent and orderly, stressing that the APC leadership in the state remained committed to a credible democratic process.
He added that no responsible government would sponsor violence within its own party structure after investing significantly in maintaining peace and stability across the state.
The government urged political leaders and their supporters to embrace peace, avoid inflammatory comments and allow democracy to take its natural course.
