The Deputy Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Mr. Festus Akingbaso, has raised concerns about an influx of thugs in Idanre Local Government Area during the ongoing governorship election.
Akingbaso, who is also a member of the House of Representatives, made this known while speaking to journalists after casting his vote at Polling Unit 005, Oke Imikan.
The lawmaker expressed satisfaction with voter turnout and the security arrangements at his polling unit but voiced his apprehension over reports of thugs allegedly disrupting the election process in the area.
“The turnout of voters is not bad, and the security situation here is commendable. I want to appreciate INEC as their performance so far has been satisfactory. However, my advice to voters is that after casting their votes, they should stay behind and monitor proceedings until the final results are announced. If everything goes smoothly, I am confident my party will win,” Akingbaso stated.
However, he expressed concern over reports of thugs allegedly brought into Idanre by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Information reaching me indicates that several villages are overrun by thugs allegedly brought in by the APC. Villages such as Ofosun, Omifunfun, and Allah are reportedly occupied. In Igbepo, suspected thugs have gathered in large numbers,” Akingbaso alleged.
He further recounted an incident in Ofosun, where suspected thugs reportedly broke into the house of a PDP member to prevent them from voting.
“We have been informed of plans to disenfranchise voters in these villages. Since Friday, there have been allegations of APC bringing in thugs. I have reported the matter to the DPO and DSS, but unfortunately, the security agencies have not taken any concrete action so far,” he added.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate called on security agencies to address the situation and ensure a peaceful election process in the affected areas.