Former Ogun State governorship candidate under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu, has dismissed the allegations leveled against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) as “baseless” and suggested that his detention was part of an effort to silence opposition voices.
Adebutu made the remarks after his release from DSS custody in Abeokuta on Tuesday morning, November 19. He revealed that he had been detained over unfounded accusations related to the November 16 Local Government elections, which he criticized as neither free nor fair.
“I was released on Tuesday, 19th November 2024, after being invited over spurious accusations related to the November 16 Local Government election,” Adebutu said. He argued that the charges against him were intended to suppress his right to free speech and silence his criticism of electoral irregularities.
The former candidate emphasized the need for local government autonomy, stressing that credible elections are crucial for Nigeria’s development. He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shares his view on the importance of local government autonomy, which transcends partisan lines.
Adebutu also highlighted governance issues in Ogun State, accusing forces within the state of attempting to undermine the third tier of government. “Desperation has set in to emasculate the third tier of government completely. This is the struggle for our development,” he asserted.
Despite the ordeal, Adebutu praised the DSS for their professionalism in handling his case. “I am pleasantly surprised at the fairness and diligence displayed by the DSS in handling this matter,” he said.
Additionally, Adebutu hailed a recent ruling by the Ogun State High Court that allowed the PDP to participate in the local government elections, calling it a victory for justice.In conclusion, Adebutu expressed gratitude to his supporters and even his detractors, urging a collective effort for the achievement of good governance. “Together, we must move the narration forward and arrive at good governance,” he said.
