Ladi Adebutu, the gubernatorial hopeful for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Ogun State elections, opened up about his defeat to Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the alleged role of violence in his loss.
During a gathering at Ijeun-Akoni, a remote community in Odeda Local Government Area, commemorating the 92nd anniversary of his great-grandfather, Pa Alimi Adebutu, Ladi Adebutu addressed reporters, shedding light on his principles and the impact of violence on his campaign.
He explained that his refusal to retaliate with violence led to the destruction of 99 polling booths during the elections.
“I believe in life after death, that is me. That is why you will see in the kind of politics that I play. You will never see violence, you will never see desperation,” he said.
“One reason why 99 polling booths in the last elections were destroyed was because I refused that my people should repay violence with violence. I cannot be part of the process of spilling blood. I can’t. This is because I believe life continues after death. I am always being careful,” Adebutu said.
Reflecting on his great-grandfather’s legacy, Adebutu emphasized the importance of goodwill and community service. “It’s good to be good. After 92 years, these people have not forgotten him. They spoke glowingly of him. When you do well, your legacy lingers,” he remarked.
However, Tunde Oldunjoye, the spokesperson for the APC in the state, dismissed Adebutu’s statements, accusing him of post-election campaigning and vote buying.
“Let him be campaigning after election. The public knew those who engaged in violence and other criminalities. they are not that forgetful,” Oladunjoye said.
“Adebutu should concentrate on his ongoing trial for vote buying.
“He has traced his great/grandfather to Odeda? Very funny. We have no response to make, this man is looking for cheap popularity; he has already commenced campaigning for the 2027 election in April of 2024.”