Key Takeaways
- Suspected political thugs attacked a PVC distribution centre in Okuku, Odo-Otin local government area of Osun State.
- The thugs carted away two packs of PVCs, disrupting the distribution process.
- The incident has been condemned by the police and the Osun State House of Assembly Speaker.
- The Speaker has accused the opposition party, APC, of perpetrating the invasion.
- APC has denied the allegations, instead accusing the Speaker of bankrolling hoodlums to disrupt the distribution exercise.
A Permanent Voter’s Card distribution centre in Okuku, Odo-Otin local government area of Osun State, was attacked by suspected political thugs on Sunday. The centre, located at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, was invaded by thugs who shot sporadically into the air, scaring residents and officials away.
According to reports, the hoodlums disrupted the process, took two packs of cards and left the venue before police could arrive at the scene. The Osun Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident, stating that about ten armed hoodlums invaded the centre, fired sporadically into the air and carted away two packs of PVCs before fleeing the scene.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has condemned the attack and directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. The Osun State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, has also condemned the incident, describing it as a grave assault on Nigeria’s democracy and the sanctity of the electoral process.
The Speaker has accused the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), of perpetrating the invasion, warning that any attempt to intimidate voters, compromise electoral materials or manipulate the democratic process poses a serious threat to free and fair elections. However, APC has denied the allegations, instead accusing the Speaker of bankrolling hoodlums to disrupt the distribution exercise.
The INEC REC in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, has confirmed and condemned the attack, stating that the commission is waiting for the report of the attack and will ascertain the number of PVCs that were taken away. She assured that the commission is committed to conducting an election that is free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent.
Why This Matters
The attack on the PVC distribution centre is a serious threat to the democratic process in Nigeria, and it is essential that the perpetrators are brought to justice to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The incident highlights the need for increased security measures to protect electoral materials and prevent any further disruptions to the democratic process.