By Adesakin Adefemi
The Ogun State Government has strongly rejected claims by former governor Gbenga Daniel that violence is being planned ahead of the Ogun East senatorial primaries, describing the allegations as hypocritical, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to create tension within the All Progressives Congress.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the accusations do not reflect the reality of the state’s political environment under the current administration. He described the remarks as a calculated effort to stir unnecessary friction within the ruling party at a sensitive time.
Akinmade noted that it was contradictory for Daniel to present himself as a champion of peace and democratic order, given what he described as the political intimidation, thuggery, and suppression of dissent that characterized Daniel’s time in office. He said many Ogun residents still remember how opposition voices were allegedly silenced during that era.
According to the statement, the Abiodun administration has made deliberate efforts since 2019 to foster an atmosphere of political tolerance, inclusiveness, and open engagement. The government pointed to increased participation by opposition parties, fewer reports of harassment, and a generally calmer political space compared to previous years.
The governor’s aide suggested that the sudden alarm over violence was being raised to manufacture tension ahead of the primaries. He argued that the narrative was likely aimed at preparing the ground to explain away what he termed an impending defeat at the polls for Daniel’s camp.
“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,” Akinmade said. He added that such claims were designed to heat up the polity and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Akinmade further stated that the government has invested heavily in maintaining peace and stability across Ogun State, and it would be illogical for the same administration to sponsor violence within its own party structure. He stressed that the APC leadership remains focused on ensuring a credible and transparent primary process.
He assured party members and residents that the Ogun East senatorial primaries would be conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and orderly manner. Security agencies, he said, are on alert to prevent any disruption and to guarantee the safety of all participants.
The government concluded by urging political leaders and their supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, embrace dialogue, and allow the democratic process to unfold without interference. It reiterated its commitment to upholding peace and ensuring that the will of party members prevails in the primaries.
