The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchanged words on Friday over an alleged attack on their members by political thugs.

While the PDP raised alarm over attacks on some of its members allegedly sponsored by the ruling APC in the state, the ruling party described these allegations as baseless accusations and distanced itself from the attacks.

However, the PDP, in a statement by the Secretary of the party?s caretaker committee in the Akure South council area, Sunday Ogedengbe, maintained that 13 political thugs attacked party members during a ward meeting in the state capital.

Ogedengbe explained that ?the coordinated attack occurred at about 4:30 p.m. during the PDP Odopetu Ward 7 meeting. The uninvited assailants were reportedly shouting the APC governorship candidate?s campaign slogan before disrupting the peaceful gathering. The attack left many members injured to varying degrees, while others fled for safety.?

He stated that ?the attackers, numbering about thirteen (13), were armed with various weapons and targeted party members who were peaceful, unarmed, and inoffensive. This incident is both pathetic and despicable, especially from a party claiming to be popular and accepted by the electorate.

?The actions of these miscreants are not only condemnable but also pose a serious threat to the peaceful and credible conduct of free and fair governorship elections in the state. It is, therefore, crucial to draw the Governor?s attention to these ugly acts and urge him to call his supporters to order before matters escalate. Any recurrence of this or similar attacks on our members will be firmly resisted.

?The PDP calls for calm and peace among its members, stressing that effort are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to justice. Ogedengbe said that ?the incident has already been reported to the police for further investigation, and steps are being taken to apprehend those responsible. The party assures its members that all legal measures will be pursued to ensure their protection and safety against future attacks.

?As a party, we will not be discouraged or deterred by this distraction. The APC, clearly jittery about the rising popularity of the PDP and its candidates ahead of the November election, is resorting to violence to intimidate the public. However, it is evident that such a desperate party has no other option. We wish those injured a swift recovery and assure them that they are not alone in this struggle. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this critical time,? it said.

In a swift reaction, the APC?s Director of Media and Publicity in the state, Steve Otaloro, described the alleged attack as baseless accusations. Otaloro, who condemned any form of violence, assured the public that ?our members will never engage in such unwarranted incidents.?

He stated that ?the APC is committed to peaceful and credible elections, and we urge the PDP to refrain from spreading misinformation. Rather than rushing to judgment, the PDP should allow the police to conclude their investigation, which they themselves initiated. It?s essential to prioritize facts over speculation and political manipulation.?

?The PDP?s hasty accusations are clearly aimed at painting the APC as the ?bad ones? before the electorate ahead of the November 16, 2024, governorship election. We warn the PDP to desist from future unjust accusations and focus on issue-based campaigning.

?Furthermore, we question the PDP?s motive for hastily going public with these unsubstantiated allegations and for implicating our party. Is it not a deliberate attempt to heat up the polity, create unnecessary tension, and distract from the real issues affecting Ondo State? We will not be dragged into their politics of desperation.

?We assure our members and the general public that we will continue to promote peace, unity, and development in Ondo State. Our focus remains on delivering dividends of democracy and ensuring Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa?s people-centered policies benefit all citizens.

?We urge the security agencies to thoroughly investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to justice, if any. We also call on the PDP to provide evidence of their claims rather than relying on unfounded allegations.

?The APC will not be swayed by the PDP?s divisive tactics. We will continue to campaign on our achievements, vision, and commitment to Ondo State?s progress,? he added. (Nigerian Tribune)

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