The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of working to exclude the PDP from participating in Saturday’s local government elections.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Ogun PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella alleged that the APC was resorting to various tactics to sideline the opposition due to the popularity of PDP candidates. “The governor and APC have observed the overwhelming popularity of our candidates and are, therefore, scheming to block us from participating by any means possible,” Tella stated at the party’s Abeokuta headquarters.

Tella’s comments followed a legal suit filed by former state PDP chairman Sikirullahi Ogundele, which he described as a state-backed attempt to destabilize the PDP. The suit challenges the eligibility of PDP candidates, claiming they are not officially recognized party members.

“Before this baseless lawsuit, there were previous attempts to disrupt our party congresses, submission of parallel candidate lists to the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), and now this legal action,” Tella said, accusing the APC of interference.

Highlighting concerns over impartiality, Tella noted that Justice Sunday Adeniyi, assigned to the case, was a former APC member and past caretaker chairman of Ikenne Local Government, appointed as a judge by Governor Abiodun. “We respect the judiciary…but we urge the judge to ensure justice aligns with the rule of law,” Tella remarked.

In response, Ogun APC Publicity Secretary Tunde Oladunjoye dismissed the allegations, attributing them to PDP’s internal divisions. “The PDP is simply looking for someone to blame for its unresolved crisis,” Oladunjoye said, adding that APC had no role in the PDP’s factional disputes.

Ogundele, also speaking with The PUNCH, denied government influence on his actions, calling the allegations “cheap lies.”

The case is set for hearing on Thursday, with both parties preparing for a legal showdown ahead of the local government elections.