In a turn of events at the Ogun State Election Tribunal, thugs allegedly hired by the All Progressives Congress (APC) viciously attacked Segun Showunmi, the Governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday. The incident occurred at the court premises in the state capital, Abeokuta.
As the Tribunal commenced its inaugural sitting to hear the petition filed by the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, against Dapo Abiodun of the APC, a group of thugs armed with canes confronted Showunmi while he attempted to gain access to the court. Without warning, they launched a brutal assault on him, leaving him battered and bruised.
The atmosphere was tense as the political thugs, numbering in large groups, stormed the Magistrate court where the Ogun State Governorship election petition Tribunal was being held in Isabo, Abeokuta. Their presence and aggressive behavior created chaos and panic among those present.
In a stroke of luck, Showunmi narrowly escaped harm as he was rescued by security personnel who swiftly moved him to safety in one of their vans. However, the entire incident raises serious concerns about the safety and security of participants in the electoral process.
Expressing his dismay at the incident, Showunmi lamented the lack of action by the security operatives who appeared helpless in the face of the attack. He stated, “It is so unfortunate that the police looked on and seemed unconcerned while the thugs carried out their violent act. The thugs freely brandished their canes, yet the police made no attempt to apprehend them or halt their rampage, allowing chaos to reign.”
This incident highlights the growing tensions and concerns over the further conduct of the elections petition hearing. The assault on Showunmi, a prominent political figure in Ogun state, raises questions about the fairness and security of the electoral process. The authorities must swiftly investigate this incident and bring the culprits to justice to ensure the safety of candidates and the integrity of the democratic process in the state.
Ogunwatch earlier reported that the Ogun state election petition sitting at Isabo, Abeokuta, resumed its first sitting on Monday, after which it took pre-hearing motions from all the parties involved in the suit. The court has now adjourned the case till June 13 when the hearing resumes.
However, despite video clips of the assault circulating online, the Ogun State Police authority has denied knowledge of the allegation of Sowunmi being attacked. This was contained in a police press statement issued by spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, on Monday.
The statement partly reads: “Today at the Election Petition Tribunal sitting at Isabo Abeokuta it was alleged that one Mr. Segun Sowunmi was assaulted by persons suspected to be hoodlums or thugs, but the appropriate information at the disposal of the Ogun State Police Command reports contrary especially with the presence of Five Divisional Police officers of Ibara, Adatan, Adigbe, on the ground, with a heavy presence of Policemen drafted by the Area Commander Metro who himself was at the Court location to ensure the Court premises were secured.”
