The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, who was arrested over alleged disturbances during the November 16 local government elections.
Adebutu confirmed his release on Tuesday through a statement he personally signed, describing the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“At about 7 am, Tuesday, November 19, 2024, I was released by the Department of State Services in Abeokuta following an invitation to answer to various spurious accusations all arising from the November 16 local government election in Ogun State,” Adebutu stated.
The local government elections, in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all contested seats, had been marred by controversies, with the PDP alleging irregularities. Adebutu argued that his arrest was a deliberate attempt to stifle opposition voices and suppress his criticism of the electoral process.
He maintained that his position on the elections was a constitutional right, adding that financial autonomy for local governments was crucial for Nigeria’s development.
“My contention that those elections were not free and fair is my fundamental right to free speech and free thought,” he said. “The financial autonomy of local governments can only be ensured through free and fair elections.”
Adebutu also referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance on local government autonomy, asserting that the view transcends party lines. He alleged that the Ogun State government had been desperate in its efforts to undermine local governance in recent years.
“The particular situation of Ogun State over the last five years, which I shall publish shortly, has led to desperation to emasculate the third tier of government completely,” he added.
The November 16 elections have sparked debates about the state of democracy in Ogun, with critics calling for reforms to enhance transparency and fairness in local government polls.