Ondo State 2012 Election Update: ACN Alleges Foul Tactics

In two separate statements, the Action Congress of Nigeria drew attention over some foul play in the governorship election in Ondo state, western Nigeria.

The party’s publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, among other things revealed the arrest of Ondo state commissioner for special duties, Niran Sule and the chairman of the Owo local council, Mr. Akinrogbe, after they were caught with six AK 47 rifles early Saturday.

After the arrest, the Labour Party chieftains were whisked to Akure for interrogation, ACN said.
The party also spoke about a Labour Party thug in Idanre who disrupted voting in an entire ward.
ACN also complained about the barring of its agents in several polling units in Ondo town, because the INEC omitted to insert the party’s name in their tags.
According to the party, some polling units in Ese Odo and Okitipupa local government areas reported the non-supply of balloting materials up till about 9.50 a.m

“Inadequate security has been reported in many localities in Ondo State, with the worst-hit areas being Idanre and Okitipupa. In Idanre, for example, thugs on motorcycles are harassing voters and agents of the opposition. There are also reports of stuffed ballot boxes being moved to polling booths with the protection of Labour Party thugs. In Owo, a state government Commissioner has been arrested by soldiers after he was found with weapons.
The widespread insecurity has led to apprehension by voters, and there is the need for security agencies to urgently deploy additional security to the affected areas,”
the ACN said.

Of equal importance to the party was the denial of accreditation to its agents in many parts of the state.
“Many agents of the Action Congress of Nigeria whose names were forwarded to INEC were not given accreditation tags in several polling units across the state, raising fears that ACN agents may not be able to monitor the election. INEC must immediately remedy the situation,” the party said.
The Labour Party also has its own complaints as well, with the Chief of Staff to the Labour Party candidate in Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, Kola Ademuji, accusing the opposition parties of attempting to disrupt voting in today’s governorship election.

He made the allegation at the St. Patrick’s RCM Primary School, Idanre, where he was expected to vote.
Ademuji said thugs hired by the opposition invaded polling stations at Owoeye and Methodist Primary School, Idanre, but were repelled by resilent crowd of voters.

“They know I am a leader, who enjoys popular support of the people in this town. They also know that the bulk of votes in this election would be turned out from here and that is why they want to disrupt voting here.
But I have reported them to the authorities,” he stated.(PMnews)