‘Your security not guaranteed,’ Gov Abiodun allegedly threatens APC primaries challenger, Sarafa-Yusuf

By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta

The political scene in Ogun State is taking a dangerous dimension following an allegation that Governor Dapo Abiodun threatened a co-aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, to back off her aspiration or else her security won’t be guaranteed.

Sarafa-Yusuf alleged that the threat was passed across to her through a first class monarch in Ogun State. But she didn’t mention the name of the monarch.

The aspirant revealed this following the removal of her campaign banner from a pedestrian bridge in the popular Panseke Market in Abeokuta, allegedly on the order of Governor Abiodun.

Sarafa-Yusuf was an appointee of the governor as Special Adviser on Communication before she walked away from her duty post following an alleged unfavourable treatment.

The aspirant, had alleged via her verified Twitter handle, @Modelesy, that the removal of her campaign banner was ordered by the governor.

She claimed that sources at Ogun State Signage Agency had revealed to her that the removal of her billboards was directed by Governor Abiodun.

She argued further that the Electoral Act 2022 allows aspirants to campaign by rules and regulations as may be determined by INEC.

She requested the advertising agency to replace the materials and urged the government and/or its agents to exercise restraint.

“We have reports that our billboards (properly paid for through registered agencies) are being removed. Ogun State Signage Agency sources say orders to remove are directly from Gov @dabiodunMFR

“Electoral Act 2022 allows us to campaign in accordance with rules & regulations as may be determined by INEC. Section 95 (2) says ‘state apparatus including the media shall not be employed to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate…’

“I’ve requested the ad agency to replace the materials and I urge the government and/or its agents to exercise restraint,” she said.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Ola Murtala, challenged Sarafa-Yusuf to stop the allegation against the governor, describing it as cheap blackmail, lies and deceit.

“@modelesy, please stop this politics of blackmail, lies and deceit. You cannot continue to mislead the general public about a peace loving governor. @dabiodunMFR is not the type that plays bitter politics which you also know. May God forgive you Madam,” he said.

But in her swift reaction, Sarafa-Yusuff alleged that the governor equally told her to suspend her governorship ambition, else he cannot guarantee her security in the state.

“You mean the governor who told a 1st class traditional ruler to tell me to back off otherwise he ‘cannot guarantee my security?’ You obviously don’t know the person you are being paid to defend,” she said.

Just last week, a notable PDP governorship aspirant from Ogun Central, Otunba Segun Showunmi attacked a co-aspirant, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu in the media, calling him a “spoilt brat” who is unfit to run for the office of governor.