Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections in Ogun State, has shed light on why he lost the gubernatorial election to Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adebutu, speaking on Thursday, cited his refusal to engage in violence and bloodshed as a key factor in his electoral defeat.
News About Nigeria understands that both Adebutu and Abiodun hail from Iperu Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.
During the election, political thugs reportedly disrupted voting processes in numerous polling units across Ogun East and Ogun Central senatorial districts, damaging ballot boxes and hindering voter participation.
Despite the disruptions, Adebutu stated that he prevented his supporters from retaliating with violence in the face of thuggery, as he is committed to non-violent politics.
Addressing journalists after a prayer session commemorating the 92nd remembrance of his great-grandfather, Pa Alimi Adebutu, in Ijeun-Akoni, Odeda Local Government Area, Adebutu said he believes in life after death.
“I believe in life after death, that is me. That is why you will see in the kind of politics that I play. You will never see violence, you will never see desperation.
“One reason why 99 polling booths in the last elections were destroyed was because I refused that my people should repay violence with violence. I cannot be part of the process of spilling blood. I can’t. This is because I believe life continues after death. I am always being careful,” Adebutu said.
In response to Adebutu’s remarks, Tunde Oladunjoye, the spokesperson of the ruling APC, dismissed Adebutu’s statements as post-election campaigning.
Oladunjoye urged Adebutu to focus on his ongoing trial for alleged vote buying and mocked his attempts to associate with the community for political gain.
