Ladi Adebutu Flees Nigeria, Alleges Threat To Life

Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State’s 18 March election, has gone into hiding following an alleged threat to his life.

Mr. Adebutu revealed this in an interview with the Saturday Tribune, claiming to be speaking from outside Nigeria. He did not provide his exact location.

He stated that he chose to scream after the State Security Service (SSS) removed its officers assigned to him and the police reduced their own.

Mr Adebutu received 262, 383 votes in an election won by All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor Dapo Abiodun, who received 276, 298 votes.

Mr. Adebutu has filed a petition with the state’s Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to contest Mr. Abiodun’s election victory.

He claimed excessive voting and a breach of the Electoral Act.

He further claimed that the number of annulled ballots was greater than the margin by which Mr. Abiodun defeated him.

According to him, he has been subjected to a combination of persuasion and indirect threats since approaching the tribunal.

He claimed he felt unsafe after the SSS removed its troops and the police reduced their own.

Mr. Adebutu further stated that he had genuine knowledge that attempts were being made to abduct him prior to the outcome of his plea.

“God will not allow their evil plans for us to materialize,” he said in the interview. “That is why I have decided to proceed on self-exile for my own safety.”