The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

  • PDP campaign DG defects to APC

    The Director General of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) campaign organisation in Gombe State has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Alhaji Bala Bello Tinka (alias Tinka Point) met with President Muhammadu Buhari at State House, Abuja, on Thursday night, where he pledged allegiance to the APC, and also vowed to bring his political weight to bear on the election of the President for a second term in office.

    Read Also:Breaking: Abducted APC chairman regains freedom

    Coming exactly a fortnight to the presidential election, a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that the defection of Alhaji Tinka deals a massive blow to the PDP in Gombe, which has been governing the state since 2003.

    President Muhammadu Buhari campaigns in Gombe on Saturday, and Alhaji Tinka is expected to formally join the APC, alongside others, during the event.

  • Why INEC ordered rerun in Osun, by witness

    …Says PDP agreed to a rerun

     

     

    The Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal heard on Friday what informed the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to order a rerun in the last governorship election in the state.

    The State Collation Officer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the election, Adegboyega Rasaki Adeosun told the tribunal that the rerun, to which the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) consented, was informed by the need to comply with the law and to avert the disenfranchisement of many registered voters in the state.

    Adeosun said, after the collation of all the results, INEC’s Returning Officer (RO) for the state explained to parties’ representatives, at the collation centre, why a rerun was necessary.

    Adeosun, who testified as a witness of the second respondent (Adegboyega Oyetola) in the petition by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Ademola Adeleke, said the RO was moved to directing a rerun because the margin between the scores of the two leading candidates was less than the number of registered votes in the seven polling units where elections were voided.

    The witness said the RO explained to all present, including the representatives of other participating political parties, including the PDP, that it would not be right to disenfranchise the large number of registered voters in the affected polling units.

    Adeosun, who was Oyetola’s 11th witness, and the only one on Friday, said the PDP, whose agent was present at the collation centre, did not object to the RO’s announcement, which informed why all representatives of all the parties endorsed the document.

    The PDP and its candidate, Adeleke are contesting the outcome of the election won by Oyetola, the candidate of the APC.

    Adeosun, under cross-examination by lawyer to INEC, Adesina Agbede, said: “At the State Collation Centre, when the Local Government Collation officers came to report Local Government by Local Government, the LG Returning Officers gave explanations on what happened at some polling units and said the results could not be finalised.

    “That led to the cancellation of the results of these polling units. At the point of aggregation of all results from the 30 LGAs, the RO of the state informed us that the number of voters in these polling units exceed the margin between the scores of the two leading candidates- the second petitioner and the second respondent.

    “The margin showed that difference is small compared with the number of the registered voters, and they cannot be disenfranchised. All the party agents were there as reflected by those who signed the Form EC8D,” the witness said.

    Adeosun said he stood by all he said in his written statement, which he earlier adopted before the tribunal.

    The witness said he voted on the day of election after he was duly accredited. He said he did not vote during the rerun election because the rerun did not take place in his polling unit.

    Earlier, at the commencement proceedings, Oyetola’s lawyer, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) told the tribunal that Adeosun was one of the second respondent’s key witnesses.

    Owonikoko led Adeosun to adopt his written statement and tendered result sheets from some Local Governments, through him.

    Some of the Local Government Areas are: Egebdore, Ife Central, Ejigbo, Ede South, Ede North, Irepodun, Boripe, Ayedaade, Isokan, Ilesa East, Ife East, Obokun, Ayedire and Oriade.

    While being cross-examined by APC’s lawyer, Lasun Sanusi (SAN), Adeosun   said he was trained, with others, by INEC,   before the election. He said he was trained at the state level.

    The witness said, at the training, they were shown how to correct discrepancies in recordings in the result sheets and other documents.

    He identified a copy of the INEC guideline when it was shown to him. He also read from page 12, paragraph 33 M of the guideline, which stipulates the procedure by which discrepancies could be corrected.

    On whether he noticed any discrepancies, the witness said, when he went through polling unit results that were submitted to him. “I discovered, along with the polling unit agents, that there were discrepancies in the total number of votes cast, which exceeded the total number of accredited voters. And we saw that in 85 polling units.”

    He said when the discrepancies were corrected; the correction was signed by all the representatives of the political parties, including the PDP.

    Under cross-examination by petitioners’ lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Adeosun said he did not know who effected the cancellation in the result sheets identified as: Form EC8A, EC8B and EC8C, because he was not at the LG collation centre.

    The witness also said he was not present at all the polling units while the election was on. He said he was only at his polling unit, where he voted, during the election, but went to the state collation centre after the election.

    The witness said presiding officers from the polling units were not allowed at the state collation centre. He said it was only presiding officers from the LGs who came to submit the results.

    The witness said polling agents were not present when the decision was taken to cancel the results from the seven polling units in which rerun were conducted.

    Adeosun said he did not serve as a polling unit agent on the day of the rerun election. He said he was not at any polling unit, because his polling unit was not affected.

    At the conclusion of Adeosun’s testimony, Owonikoko applied for an adjournment. He said his client intends to call a minimum of four more witnesses, including those subpoenaed, including election observers.

    Owonikoko prayed the court to adjourn to February 5 to enable the 2nd respondent prepare its witnesses.

    Other lawyer in the case did not object to Owonikoko’s application, following which tribunal Chairman, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo adjourned to February 5 for the second defendant to conclude his case.

    Justice Sirajo, with the assurance from Sanusi (lawyer to the third respondent) announced that the APC will open its case on February 6.

     

     

     

  • Hold Buhari, APC responsible for any threats to polls, says PDP

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) should be held responsible for any threats to the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    The main opposition party said its position was informed by its review of recent developments, particularly what it termed the desperation being exhibited by the APC and agents of the Buhari Presidency.

    In a statement on Wednesday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP alleged plots by the APC administration to scuttle the upcoming general elections.

    The party’s position was predicated on the alarm raised by the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Mongunu, alleging that some individuals that are not certain of their fate in the upcoming elections were plotting to precipitate widespread violence aimed at scuttling the conduct of the elections.

    But the PDP retorted that by every evidence and material facts, the political party and candidate that are not certain of their fate in the election have proven to be the APC and its presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The PDP said the President and his party have continued to exhibit acts of frustration over fear of imminent electoral loss.

    The statement said, “We are all witnesses to the series of warnings to the Buhari Presidency, from prominent Nigerian citizens and topmost members of the international community, including the United States, United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the European Union, against actions that are inimical to the smooth conduct of the general elections.

    Read Also: PDP: Atiku is a consummate democrat

    “It is instructive to note that instead of heeding this warning, the Buhari Presidency and the APC, in their arrogance and desperation, resorted to blackmailing and vilifying the international community, thereby further confirming that they are not ready for a peaceful, free and fair election.

    “Except the NSA is addressing facts known to Nigerians that as a result of losses already suffered by the APC on account of court judgments stopping it from participating in the elections in some states, due to its flawed primaries, some desperate leaders and members of the ruling party are making discreet arrangements to scuttle the polls.

    “This is in addition to APC’s frustration over the soaring popularity of the people’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, among Nigerians across the board, who have come to a consensus to elect him as the next President of our country, come February, 16, 2019.

    “For the majority of Nigerians, particularly members of the PDP and our teeming supporters, across our nation, the successful conduct of the February 16, 2019 Presidential election is a paramount desire that must be actualized.

    “Nigerians are eager to go to the polls to vote out this administration that has caused them so much anguish, pain, hunger, economic deprivation, sectional acrimony and deaths and this is the reason the APC is seeking all ways to scuttle the elections”.

  • Youths empowerment, key to sustainable peace – Okowa

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, says his administration will continue to focus more on youths empowerment in order to sustain the existing peace in the state.

    Okowa spoke at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign rally on Wednesday in Burutu, the administrative Headquarters of Burutu Local Government Area.

    The governor said that youths were critical to the success of the infrastructure development in the area, because they were part of the peace being enjoyed in the state.

    “We were able to achieve much because of the peace that existed in the area.

    “In my second tenure, I will triple youths’ empowerment because, if we do not empower youths, it will be difficult to have peace,” he said.

    Okowa assured people of the area that he would embark on more developmental projects in his second tenure as governor, urging them to support his re-election.

    He also appealed to the people to vote for all the candidates of the PDP from the presidential level to the House of Assembly.

    “We have done many road projects including the 19.7 Kilometres road in Ogulaha, work has resumed on the Ayakromo Bridge, and many others.

    “We will continue to construct roads in the riverine communities; all we need is your cooperation.

    “We are not the party that seek your votes without reciprocating it, cooperate with us as we are doing the work.

    “As you vote for us, we have to appreciate it by providing you with infrastructure; there are many more things to be done in our second tenure,” he said.

    Also, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Chairman, Delta Campaign Organisation of the party, urged people to vote massively for the party.

    Oyovbaire said Burutu was a special council because it has two constituencies at the State House of Assembly and one Federal Constituency.

    “You are a special local government that has two members in the House of Assembly and one in the Federal House of Representatives. Therefore, you and your vote are special.

    “Okowa has never turned his eyes away from the council; the opponents cannot come to the area because they do not have anything to show for it,” he said.

    In his remarks, Mr Kingsley Esiso, the state Chairman of the party, expressed delight at the turnout of party supporters, urging them to repeat it at the polls.

    “I am so convinced that with what I have seen today, the party will not have any problem. I therefore, thank you for the support.

    “We must change the All Progressive Congress (APC) change and to do that, we are presenting Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to you, the man that has the capability as president,” he said

    NAN

     

  • I will restore investor confidence in economy — Atiku

    The Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday said he would take practical steps to reposition the economy, if elected.

    Delivering the 2019 Quarterly Island Club Business Lecture in Lagos, the PDP flag bearer promised to restore investor confidence in the economy.

    In the lecture titled, “My Vision to get Nigeria Working Again,” Atiku said he would support the private sector by undertaking reforms that would unleash growth in the economy.

    “We will restore confidence in the Nigerian economy. We will implement policies to drive growth.

    “Today, Ghana – a country with just 14 per cent of our population – attracts more Foreign Direct Investment than Nigeria.

    “In order to reverse the trend, our economic policies would be more coherent, consistent and therefore more predictable by the business community.

    “Nothing could be more threatening to investment flows than an environment that is full of policy flip-flops,“ he said.

    Read Also: PDP: Atiku is a consummate democrat

    Reeling out the components in his #The Atiku Plan for the economy, the PDP candidate said he would create the environment for a strong, productive, pro-growth private sector to create opportunities, jobs and fight poverty.

    He said his government would be constantly engaging the private sector in policy -design and policy implementation.

    The PDP candidate said he would liberalise the economic space and privatise all the ailing public enterprises, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    “The #AtikuPlan will undertake a de-regulation of the downstream sector of the economy, review the PIB and privatise all four state refineries that operate less than 10 per cent of their installed capacities.

    “We shall channel the proceeds from the privatisation into a special fund for the development of education and health,” he said.

    He added that he would assist Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to grow and play their expected roles in the economy through the right policies and programmes.

    The PDP candidate said he would increase investments in human capital, especially in health and education, as the people were the fundamental reason for economic growth.

    “We will create jobs by growing the economy by promoting innovative flagship, job creation programmes such as: The National Open Apprenticeship Programme, through which we shall enhance the capacity of master craftsmen and women to train one million apprentices every year.

    “Our National Innovation Fund and SME Venture initiatives will provide stable and sustainable long-term support to aspiring entrepreneurs.

    “We will create an Economic Stimulus Fund with an initial investment capacity of approximately 25 billion dollars to support private sector investment in infrastructure,“ he said.

    The PDP candidate promised to embark on workable power reform to improve power supply.

    He also promised to improve liquidity by undertaking fiscal restructuring if elected.

    Abubakar said repositioning the economy required a government that had the right focus, adding the PDP would meet the economic goals of Nigerians, if elected.

    Speaking on the recent suspension of the former Chief Justice of the Federation, Walter Onnoghen, Abubakar described the Federal Government‘s action as wrong.

    Abubakar said the constitution already spelt out the rules for the suspension and removal of the CJN, pointing out that due process was not followed in Onnoghen’s suspension.

    He urged all Nigerians to use the opportunity of the February elections to vote the candidate with the right competence to govern the country.

    The PDP thanked the Island Club, a foremost social club in Lagos, for the platform to speak and articulate his economic vision for Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prominent Nigerians at the lecture were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus and Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce.

    Others at the lecture included a PDP chieftain, Chief Bode George, PDP governorship candidate in Lagos, Mr Jimi Agbaje and former governor of Ogun, Chief Gbenga Daniel.

    NAN

  • We must vote out this anti-democratic government, says Atiku

    The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to vote out “this anti-democratic” government and restore Nigeria to the path of true democracy.

    This, according to him, is the surest way to ensure progress and prosperity for Nigerians.

    Atiku, who spoke at the Yar ‘Adua Centre, Abuja, said the country is passing through a difficult moment and that how Nigerians react to this challenge in the following days will determine the fate of the nation’s democracy.

    He described the crisis as needless, but which portends great peril to the system.

    Read Also:Ohanaeze goofs by endorsing Atiku, says Kalu

    Atiku blamed the government for unwilling to subject its conducts to the requirements of the constitution.

    He said, “Meanwhile, I commend all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria who have expressed outrage over the unlawful removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, an action, which constitutes a flagrant breach of our constitution and a frontal assault on our democracy.

    “I want to note the universal condemnation of this unlawful act by all Nigerians, as well as the international community. I need to state that this latest action by General Muhammadu Buhari falls squarely within the pattern of executive lawlessness that has now been firmly turned into statecraft by the APC government.

    “The serial disregard of court orders and consequent violation of constitutionally guaranteed human rights of our citizens confirms beyond all doubt that General Buhari and his government would rather obey their own whims and operate by separate rules outside the well-established constitutional order and the rule of law.

    “It scarcely requires emphasis that this behaviour is alien to democratic rule and more in line with that of a military dictator.”

    While admitting that the fight against corruption is crucial to good governance, and progress the country, stressing however that the issue of corruption as it relates to the institution of the judiciary is even more crucial.

    Continuing, Atiku said, “As the last refuge of the common man, our judiciary must not only be above suspicion but must also be seen to be manifestly above board.

    “The issue at stake is not whether the Chief Justice is guilty or not, but whether his removal from office has been done in accordance with the process specified in our constitution.

    “As a democrat, I must say, without equivocation, that no mission or goal, no matter how noble or well-intended, should be used as a pretext for the subversion of our democracy and our democratic institutions.

    “To create a condition that allows the constitution and the rule of law to become secondary to any other agenda is to pave the way for tyranny.

    “History is replete with odious dictators whose path to dictatorship started with statements of good intentions. We must therefore remain vigilant in defence of our democracy.

    “We are all witnesses to how this government has serially assaulted the National Assembly, a separate arm of government that represents the bastion of our democracy.

    “However, with this attack on the judiciary, General Buhari has set a new precedent in our democracy that has no equivalence in our history, not even in the darkest days of military dictatorship. This cannot be allowed to stand”.

    He warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to desist from taking actions that may push the country further down the slippery slope towards a major constitutional crisis that could derail the electoral process.

    He reminded President Buhari of being a beneficiary of a free and fair election, saying that it’s a matter of honour for him to allow a political environment and process that gives confidence to everyone.

    “All my life, I have been a democrat and a defender of democracy. Like all men of good conscience and patriots, I believe this present challenge has imposed on us yet again, the duty to rise in peaceful defence of democracy, for which so many have laid down their lives.

    “I also know that the surest weapon against tyranny is the democratic will of the people. Nigerians have consistently demonstrated their preference for democracy, and I am, and will always remain, on the side of the people of Nigeria.

    “I conclude by expressing, once again, my gratitude to the international community for standing by our country in this challenging time.

    “However, the primary responsibility to resist tyranny and protect democracy in Nigeria ultimately lies with Nigerians. It is on this note that I call on all Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the coming general elections to vote in defence of democracy and the rule of law.

    “We must vote out this anti-democratic government and restore our country to the path of true democracy, which is the surest way to ensure progress and prosperity for our people”.

  • Quit now, PDP tells Acting CJN

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed to quit the office without delay.

    In a statement on Saturday, the main opposition party, described Justice Muhammed’s swearing in of members of the 2019 election petition tribunals on Saturday as illegal and complete nullity.

    The statement, signed by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, insisted that Justice Muhammed cannot function as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, as there is no vacancy in that office.

    It added that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) did not make provision for Chief Justices of Nigeria at any particular time, stressing that in the eye of the law, Justice Walter Onnoghen is still in charge as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

    The PDP drew the attention of Justice Tanko Muhammed to the fact that he is allowing himself to be used by despotic forces in their bid to truncate the nation’s hard-earned democracy.

    Read Also: CJN’s suspension: Agbakoba, activist kick

    The statement further said, “It is also imperative for Justice Tanko to agree that, having allowed himself to be used to desecrate the hallowed temple of justice, his oath of office and oath of allegiance, the only option left for him is to quit the bench.

    “The PDP reminds Justice Tanko of his membership of the panel set up by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which on March 14, 2018, forced Justice Obisike Orji to quit the bench and go on a compulsory retirement, for allowing himself to be sworn in as the Acting Chief Judge of Abia State without the statutory recommendation of the NJC.

    “From Justice Tanko’s first illegal assignment, which is the swearing-in of election tribunal Justices for the forthcoming elections, Nigerians can now see the raison d’etre for his illegal appointment.

    “This action is in itself a nullity and we caution the said justices to be reminded of the popular maxim that something cannot be built on nothing.

    “Nigerians can recall that the PDP had always alerted that President Buhari is bent on removing Justice Onnoghen so as to replace him with a pliable CJN that would help him uphold his rigging plots and achieve his self-succession bid, having realized that he cannot win in any free and fair electoral contest.

    “The PDP invites the world to note that when Nigerians were in the trenches for this democracy, General Muhammadu Buhari, as he was then known, was in cahoots with the last dictator against the will the people. It is therefore not strange that today, President Buhari, once again, wants to subdue our democracy and subvert the rule of law.

    “However, the PDP wants President Buhari to know that Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, creed or political leaning, will never allow anybody, no matter how highly placed, to push our nation to the abyss of anarchy”.

  • 2019: Kannywood group endorse Atiku

    Presidential Candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has been endorsed by a group of Kano based film makers and artists, otherwise known as Kannywood.

    Yakubu Mohammed who spoke on behalf of Kannywood group said, “We need energetic leaders in this country and Atiku is the leader after heart.

    “Kannywood is suffering from poor quality production and lack of market for its production. We still remember how the former President Goodluck Jonathan encouraged the film and entertainment industry financially to the tune of N200 million.

    “We are appealing to Atiku to support us if he comes to power. So our support is for Atiku, and by the special grace of God, Atiku will be the next of President. We will vote and massively canvass support for Atiku” he stressed.

    The Kannywood under the leadership of the popular Sani Danja, who participated in the interactive session with the PDP presidential candidate sang solidarity songs in support of Atiku.

    Earlier, Alhaji Atiku promised to uplift the standard of the entertainment industry if elected into power in the forthcoming election.

    Read Also: It’s an act of dictatorship taken too far —Atiku

    Atiku who was represented by the Senate President and his campaign director, Bukola Saraki at kannywood Interactive Section, Atiku said he would support the film industry financially like it was the case during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    He said, “Let me thank you because this programme was initially scheduled to hold in Kano, but we asked you to shift it to Kaduna, and you did.

    “Atiku is one of you. During Jonathan you were given N200 million support. But APC government forgot you. But I want to assure you that when Atiku comes on board, he will support you. He will provide jobs for you and help you. I am appealing to you to go out on February 16, and vote for Atiku and all other PDP candidates”

    Also, the Kaduna State governorship candidate, Isah Ashiru told the Actors and Actresses, “We will support you to keep your soul and body working. So just go home and sleep.A support for PDP is for a secured future” he said.

    On his part, the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus told the artists that “the only candidate that has the capacity and commitment to unlock the potentials of artist in Nigeria Nollywood and Kannywood is Atiku Abubakar.

    “Atiku will empower the entertainment industry in Nigeria to compete favourably with Hollywood, he already have plans known as Generation Next to empower the youths.

    “APC and Buhari has no plans for the future but Atiku has been tested and trusted and will deliver on trust good governance if elected”. He stressed.

  • Atiku, Saraki, others assure Kaduna of peace and security

    The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar; PDP chairman; Uche Secondus and the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki have assured the peoples of Kaduna State of peace and security if PDP is elected.

    Addressing a rally in Kaduna on Thursday, the party chieftains also promised to end hunger in the land by creating jobs for the youth population.

    Secondus urged the people not to vote for any other party other than the PDP in the coming elections, saying that the PDP has a track record of good governance and delivery of democracy dividends.

    The party chair described Atiku Abubakar as an experienced candidate who has been tested in both public and private sector.

    Secondus the present administration has lowered national values with its embarrassing outings and assured that Atiku will restore Nigeria and return its deserved status in the comity of nations.

    “Atiku will deliver on his promises, unlike President Buhari who has not been able to keep any of his promises because he is not in charge. He sleeps while cabals destroy the country”, Secondus said.

    Also speaking at the rally, Atiku assured the people that his Presidency would provide adequate security that will restore the list glory of Kaduna State.

    Read Also: Saraki, Marafa disagree over N2.4b daily fuel subsidy

    The PDP presidential candidate said that APC failed to fulfill any of the promises it made to the people in 2015 for lack of competence.

    Atiku charged the people to not only vote PDP in all the elections, but also be ready to defend their votes and stop the APC from “stealing them”.

    Saraki also urged the people to reject the APC at the elections because the party has failed to provide the much needed peace in Kaduna and the country.

    The former Vice President, Namadi Sambo who is from the state also addressed the crowd and assured them that a vote for PDP is vote for peace in the state and the country.

    Other PDP chieftains at the rally included former PDP national chairman, Dr Mohammed Haliru Bello; former governors of Kaduna and Niger states, Ahmad Makarfi and Dr Babangida Aliyu respectively.

    The party’s presidential campaign train is expected to leave Kaduna for Benue on Friday, after a national conference on security.

  • Suspected thugs injure 10 in Ondo

    There was uproar on Thursday when hoodlums suspected to be political thugs reportedly assaulted residents of Ala Elefuson community in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo state.

    No fewer than 10 persons were said to have sustained injuries in the attack.

    Sources said the attack was hinged on the palliative measures by some members of a political party to grade the road leading to the area.

    It was learnt the hoodlums, numbering about 30 invaded the community and attacked the operator of the grader working on the road.

    He was said to have been beating to a pulp for daring to embark on the reconstruction of the road to gain political sympathy.

    Read Also: How to curb insecurity in Ondo, by experts

    Eyewitnesses said the hoodlums led by a man identified as Kobu, were angry with members of the community for allowing members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to facilitate the grading of the road leading to the community.

    He said the thugs contended that grading of the road was carried out to score political goal ahead of the next month general election.

    According to him, the chairman of the community had approached members of the PDP in the area to assist them in the grading of the road after their pleas had been turned down by the chairman severally.

    Speaking on the attack, one of the community leaders, Festus Makinsun, described the development as barbaric.

    He alleged those who invaded the community were APC members who had failed to attend to their plight.

    He said the road had remained a death trap and affecting the movement of their farm produce to the market.

    He explained some members of the PDP, who were at the area to monitor the grading, were beaten to coma saying no fewer than 10 people were rushed to the general hospital in Idanre.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Femi Joseph was not available for comments.

    The APC Director of Publicity, Steve Otaloro, however denied the allegation, saying members of the party would not participate in activities that would disrupt the peace of the land.