Ondo Poll: Politicians Are Sponsoring Thugs, Says OPC

The Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) has raised alarm over an alleged sponsorship of political thugs ahead of the November 26, 2016 governorship poll in Ondo state

Comrade Pius Ogunsanya, Coordinator of the group raised the alarm in a statement issued on Thursday in Akure.

Ogunsanya alleged that some unscrupulous politicians in the state have been recruiting these thugs to cause mayhem before, during and after the governorship poll.

He disclosed that these hoodlums are now parading themselves under the auspices of the Yoruba Peoples Congress soliciting financial assistance as mercenaries.

Ogunsaya explained that the Odua Peoples Congress would not fold its hands to allow these unscrupulous elements to unleash terror on the people of the state.

According to him, the group would collaborate with all security agencies (Police, DSS, NSCDC) to nib in the bud activities of political thugs in the state before the election.

The Coordinator also said there was need for the security agencies to use their legitimate powers to investigate these hoodlums before they breach the peace of the state.

“As partners in the cultural and regional protection of Yoruba race, the OPC wish to tell the voting population in Ondo State that they will be adequately protected at campaign grounds and voting centers’ during the forthcoming governorship election.

“We are in collaboration with other security agents to ensure peaceful conduct of the election; devoting of rancor, violence, ballot snatching, mayhem, thuggery and other activities that against smooth conduct of the poll” Ogunsaya said in his statement.

He further tasked leaders of various political parties and stakeholders in the election process of the state to play the game according to the rules and caution their supporters.

Ogunsaya, however, advised the electorate in the state to come en mass on the day of the election (November 26th, 2016) to exercise their franchise and avoid been induced.