Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in March 18 poll in Ogun State Ladi Adebutu has alleged threat to his life, saying he has gone into hiding.
Adebutu told Saturday Tribune in an interview that he raised the alarm after the Department of State Service (DSS) withdrew its officers attached to him and the police cut theirs down.
The politician noted that he was speaking from somewhere outside Nigeria but did not disclose his exact location.
Adebutu said that since approaching the tribunal to challenge the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun at the poll, he has had an admixture of persuasion and subtle threats to force him to withdraw the petition.
Adebutu further said he was in possession of credible intelligence that attempts were being made to kidnap him before the determination of his petition.
“God will not allow their evil plans for us to materialise,” he said in the interview. “That is why I have decided to proceed on self-exile for my own safety.”
Adebutu polled 262, 383 votes in the election won by Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with 276, 298 votes.
He alleged over-voting and violation of the Electoral Act, adding that the number of cancelled votes was higher than the margin with which Abiodun beat him.
