PDP’s Ladi Adebutu Summoned by Ogun Police After DSS Ordeal

Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was reportedly summoned by the Ogun State Police Command to appear at its headquarters in Abeokuta. This invitation is said to be in connection with alleged disturbances during the November 16, 2024 local government elections, in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all available seats.

While the police have not officially confirmed the development, sources informed Channels TV that Adebutu is currently in custody at the Command’s headquarters in Ogun State. He faces accusations of recruiting around 40 unauthorized police officers from Lagos and allegedly mobilizing PDP supporters to disrupt the election process.

This summons comes shortly after Adebutu was questioned by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) the day before.

In a statement released after his release from DSS custody on November 19, 2024, Adebutu rejected the allegations, calling them baseless and accusing the authorities of trying to silence opposition voices.

“At approximately 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, I was released by the Department of State Services in Abeokuta after responding to various unfounded claims related to the November 16 local government elections in Ogun State,” Adebutu said.

“These allegations are so groundless that it is clear their only purpose was to suppress me as a critic of the government. My right to critique the electoral process, which I believe was neither free nor fair, is protected by my fundamental rights to free speech and thought,” he continued.

Adebutu also reiterated his advocacy for local government financial autonomy, arguing that it should be achieved through transparent, credible elections. He emphasized that this position aligns with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a patriotic and non-partisan perspective aimed at fostering national development.