— APC Members’ Actions Violate Peace Accord, Says PDP

— Your Claims Are Flimsy and Baseless, APC Fires Back

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

With the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, the two main parties, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), are at odds over alleged breaches of a peace accord signed by 17 political parties to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council, accused the APC of violating the peace accord in Akure, stating that APC-aligned thugs recently attacked PDP members in Idanre, leaving seven injured. He claimed that Otunba Olowoniyi Akinlemimu, who was seriously injured, remains in the intensive care unit of the State Specialists Hospital in Akure, with others also receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.

Olafeso criticized security agencies for failing to make arrests and alleged that personnel from the Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs, and Nigeria Correctional Service had been mobilized to interfere in the election.

“These actions clearly violate the peace accord signed by all parties,” he said, urging security agencies to remain professional. “A compromised election is an invitation to anarchy, and any attempt to subvert a free, fair, and credible election will be met with resistance through lawful means.”

He further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency, particularly in result transmission, citing issues during the recent Edo State election.

However, the APC dismissed the allegations as baseless and a figment of the opposition’s imagination. Steve Otaloro, Director of Media & Publicity for the APC, stated that the APC is committed to a peaceful election and confident of victory due to the overwhelming support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“The accusation that APC members attacked PDP supporters in Idanre is a fabricated story aimed at tarnishing our image,” Otaloro stated. He also denied claims that immigration, customs, and correctional officers were mobilized for the election, emphasizing that these agencies have no legal role in the electoral process.

Otaloro accused the PDP of “spreading unnecessary fear” and advised them to respect assurances from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who pledged to deploy over 22,000 officers for election security. “The PDP’s press conference was a desperate attempt to prepare an excuse for their inevitable defeat,” he added.

Confident in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s prospects, Otaloro concluded, “The people of Ondo deserve better than baseless allegations. Let’s focus on issue-based campaigning and allow the people to decide.”