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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Segun Showunmi, was assaulted by political thugs in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Monday.
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal began hearing in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, against Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Magistrates’ Court, in Isabo, on Monday.
The thugs, who came in large numbers to support their political parties were prevented from gaming entrance into the court premises.
It was gathered that the thugs were roaming the street with canes in their hands. Not long after, a fracas broke out between the supporters PDP and APC supporters, but a team of armed security operatives, comprising the Police, DSS and NSCDC dispersed the thugs and restored normalcy.
Showunmi later arrived at the court’s gate few minutes past 12pm and he was introducing himself to security operatives at the gate when the thugs descended on him with canes.
Showunmi, however, escaped by whiskers as he was rescued bysecurity operatives.
Apart from Showunmi, some supporters were also beaten as a free for all ensued between the supporters of both parties.
It was learnt that it took the security operatives some time before the thugs could be dispersed.
Reacting to the incident, Showunmi said it was regrettable that security operatives were helpless as he and PDP supporters were being attacked
“It is so unfortunate, the police looked on and felt unconcerned as the thugs were carrying out their act.
“The thugs roamed about with canes in their hands, police made no attempt to arrest them or stop them from causing chaos,” he said.
