PDP leader Ladi Adebutu reveals details surrounding his arrest by the DSS, addressing allegations and clarifying his position on the matter.
The 2023 governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu, stated that he was arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) due to his opposition to how the November 16 local government elections were conducted.
During a press conference on Monday, Adebutu stated that the election held on Saturday was neither free nor fair.
According to OBASANJONEWS, Adebutu was arrested and detained by the DSS shortly after the press conference.
Adebutu, who was released around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, informed the DAILY POST that the allegations against him were unfounded and intended to suppress his role as an opposition voice.
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He stated, “On Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, at around 7 am, I was released by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abeokuta after being invited to address various baseless accusations stemming from the November 16 Local Government election in Ogun State.”
It is truly unfortunate that the allegations were so unfounded, making it evident their true intent was to suppress my voice as part of the opposition. Asserting that those elections lacked fairness and transparency is a core expression of my right to free speech and independent thought.
I believe that granting financial autonomy to the Local Government, enforceable through free and fair elections, is crucial for our development. Mr. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, also supports this view. This demonstrates that it is not a partisan stance but rather a nationalistic perspective.
He stated, “Due to the specific circumstances in Ogun State over the past five years, which I will soon disclose, there has been a growing desperation to completely undermine the third tier of government. This is our battle for development.”