Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has reportedly been summoned by the Ogun State Police Command to report to its headquarters in Abeokuta. The summons is believed to be related to his involvement in alleged disruptions during the local government elections held on November 16, 2024, in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured all available seats.
Though the Ogun State Police Command has not officially confirmed the summons, sources close to the situation have informed Channels TV that Adebutu remains in custody at the Command’s headquarters. The former PDP candidate is facing accusations of recruiting about 40 unauthorized police officers from Lagos and mobilizing PDP supporters to disrupt the electoral process, allegations which have sparked significant controversy.
This latest development follows Adebutu’s questioning by the Department of State Services (DSS) on November 18, 2024, where he was held in connection to similar accusations regarding the election. Adebutu, however, has strongly denied all claims against him, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated. In a statement released after his release from DSS custody, Adebutu expressed his frustration with the accusations, calling them part of a broader effort to stifle opposition voices.
“At about 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, I was released by the Department of State Services in Abeokuta after responding to various baseless accusations stemming from the November 16 local government elections in Ogun State,” Adebutu said. He further described the allegations as “so baseless that it became evident their sole purpose was to silence me as a voice of the opposition.”
Adebutu also made a strong defense of his right to critique the electoral process, asserting that his comments about the election being neither free nor fair are grounded in his fundamental right to free speech. “My critique of the electoral process as not free and fair is a fundamental right rooted in free speech and thought,” he declared. This statement has resonated with his supporters, who believe the opposition is being unfairly targeted.
Additionally, Adebutu emphasized his commitment to local government financial autonomy and his call for transparent, credible elections. He framed his position as one that is in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s national development agenda, arguing that such reforms are crucial to moving the country forward. “This view aligns with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a patriotic and non-partisan perspective aimed at national development,” Adebutu added.
As the investigation continues, the situation remains tense, with both Adebutu’s supporters and critics weighing in on the unfolding drama. The Ogun State Police and DSS are yet to issue further statements regarding the next steps in the investigation, leaving many to speculate on the political motivations behind the charges.
