Ondo 2024: PDP condemns alleged appointment of Amotekun Commander as Chairman Election Security Committee

The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has condemned the alleged appointment of Mr Adetunji Adeleye, the Commander of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, as Chairman of the Election Security Committee, by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

A 20-man security committee allegedly headed by Adeleye was recently inaugurated by the state governor as part of the APC campaign council to supervise the November 16 governorship election in the State.

Thefrontrank reports that the Ondo State Amotekun Corps was inaugurated by late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on August 11, 2020 to protect the people of the State from insecurity, such as killings, kidnappings, banditry and destruction of farmlands

Speaking on the development, a Chieftain of PDP and Chairman of the Agboola Ajayi Campaign Council, Dr Eddy Olafeso, condemned the alleged appointment, describing it as an attempt to use the security outfit for political gains by Aiyedatiwa.

According to Starnews NG, Olafeso argued that Amotekun, being a regional security outfit, holds no federal mandate and should thus play no role in the election process.

“We have it on reliable authority that the APC government in Ondo State intends to use Amotekun to intimidate opposition parties.

“Let it be on record that the PDP will not condone a situation where a security unit meant to protect the people of Ondo State is weaponised by the APC to engage in election malpractices.

“This election is a federal exercise, and Amotekun has no part in it.

“In the past, Amotekun has never been involved in election duties. Their mandate is to safeguard residents within their jurisdiction, not to interfere in political processes.

“The decision to appoint the Amotekun Commandant as the APC’s security chairman is highly unfortunate, if true. We will take every necessary step to prevent this,” he added.