PDP Accuses APC of Creating Political Tension Over Local Government Election in Kwara
By Omowumi Omotosho
The Kwara state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly bringing firearms and other dangerous weapons into the political arena of the state.
In a statement signed by the Kwara PDP, Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, on Monday, the party declared that introduction of weapons by the All Progressives Congress into the state’s political arena is a threat to the safety of residents and threatens the integrity of the upcoming local government elections slated for September 21.
The PDP stated that: “The attention of the Kwara PDP has been drawn to a deeply disturbing and dangerous trend within the ranks of the Kwara APC where it was reported that gun runners and criminal assassins are being deployed by members of the ruling APC to outmaneuver one another in the ongoing local government elections screenings”
The party cited the cases of the violence that erupted within the APC circle over the weekend at Patigi local government and Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun local government. The party claimed that unidentified gunmen took over the premises of K-Cool hotel in Pategi where some APC stalwarts reportedly gathered to perfect the imposition of candidates loyal to the governor.
According to the party, the gunmen who were masked, attacked the gathering by shooting sporadically to stop the imposition. Also, in Omu-Aran, Irepodun LG, violence erupted in a similar manner with several people sustaining serious injuries while some were feared dead during the APC screening processes in the community.”
The PDP lamented that these incidents mark a dangerous departure from Kwara’s historically peaceful political environment.
“This is a very sad development in the history of Kwara’s political culture, which was hitherto widely known and respected for peace, progress, and maturity.” The statement read.
The party, therefore, urged the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure that state law enforcement takes decisive action against these disturbances. Additionally, the PDP implored all security agencies to investigate these incidents thoroughly and prevent further escalation.
“We also call on Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to direct the state police command to not fold hands and watch Kwara State being plunged into a political war zone” the statement concluded.
