THE Ogun State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta on Monday became a scene of ugly display as hearing commenced in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, against Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Eyewitnesses said both the APC and the PDP, as usual, mobilised their members to the Tribunal for solidarity.
However, political thugs reportedly stormed the venue of the Tribunal with canes otherwise known locally as pankere, attacking perceived opponents while police officers and other security agents deployed to maintain law and order watched.
Although the road leading to the court was barricaded at both ends by the police, it did not deter the hoodlums from attacking their targets.
As the political thugs roamed about with canes in their hands, the police reportedly did not attempt to arrest or stop them from causing chaos.
A policeman was quoted as saying, “There is nothing we can do, we can’t arrest them. Everything about Ogun is always different.”
A PDP member, who was attacked by the thugs, said he lost his phone, money and other valuables in his possession while being beaten.
As of the time of filing this report, members of the PDP have fled the court premises to avoid further attacks.
According to reports, attacking opposition members at the tribunal has now become a dangerous trend in Ogun State after every election.
Eighteen-Eleven Media