The Department of State Services (DSS) recently questioned Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, the governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, regarding a petition filed against him by an opposition party.
Although the specific details of the petition remain undisclosed, the questioning by the DSS took place in the aftermath of a concerning incident where the campaign office of Muritala Ajaka, the rival candidate from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was razed.
The SDP accused the ruling APC of being involved in the incident, an allegation that the APC vehemently denied.
According to a source, the DSS invited Ododo based on the petition from some members of the opposition in an effort to de-escalate tensions and promote understanding among the political figures before the upcoming election.
Following the encounter with the DSS, Ododo confirmed the meeting but described it as a routine matter. He stated that he had constructive discussions with the agency about the issue at hand, although he chose not to disclose its specifics.
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Additionally, he emphasized that he and his party members are committed to maintaining peace in the state as responsible citizens.
“The coming election will be free and fair. There is no tension in the state ahead of the election; I urge our party members to continue to maintain peace before, during, and after the election,” he said.
Confirming Ododo’s invitation by the DSS, Kingsley Fanwo the state Commissioner for Information and Communications said the APC gubernatorial candidate was questioned for hours before his release.
“The allegations contained in the petition are frivolous and unfounded. But it was incumbent on the APC governorship candidate to respect a constituted authority such as the DSS.
“Alhaji Ododo was questioned by a team of operatives at the DSS for hours, and he gave convincing explanations to the interrogators. We commend the professionalism of the DSS and pledge our cooperation to whatever measures taken or that would be taken to ensure a peaceful Kogi and a peaceful poll in November 2023,” he said.
He added that the APC governorship candidate had since left the DSS office, adding that the party’s commitment “to peace and tranquility is iron cast.
“Every Kogite and every supporter of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo should endeavour to be peaceful in all their activities towards the election.”