A former candidate from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State, Mr. Mike Ademola Oke, has alleged that political manipulation and threats to his life led to the abandonment of his bid for a seat in the House of Representatives.
In a statement made available to newsmen, he described a tumultuous political landscape filled with internal strife and intimidation.
Oke emphasised that the crisis within his party, combined with external pressures from opposing factions, created an environment that was increasingly hostile to his campaign.
“The primary elections were riddled with numerous electoral malpractices, which I could not accept. I rejected the results, prompting the electoral umpire to order a fresh primary election,” he explained.
Despite the order for a new election, the aftermath left him and his family vulnerable to threats. Oke detailed how, following his rejection of the primary results, he began to receive alarming notices from individuals within his own party.
“Aggrieved members of my party began to target me, and these threats escalated to a point where my family’s safety was in jeopardy. I reported these threats to the party executives, but no substantial action was taken,” he said.
Meanwhile, his wife, Elizabeth Bolarinwa Oke, filed a complaint with the police on September 13, 2018, highlighting the dangers posed by political thuggery.
The police investigation revealed that some members of opposing political parties were colluding with individuals pretending to be loyal party members to undermine his campaign.
“Political thuggery is widespread and covert in our environment. It’s a tactic used by those who feel threatened by genuine candidates,” Oke stated.
The situation reached a critical point in June 2022 when Mrs. Oke and their family narrowly escaped a possible attack while traveling on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. “We were nearly hit by a strange vehicle. It was a terrifying experience that made us realize how serious the threats were,” she recounted.
“This has been a nightmare for us. I had to consider relocating my family overseas to ensure their safety,” Oke said.
Oke is calling for urgent protective measures for candidates facing similar threats in Nigeria.
“The safety of aspiring leaders and their families must be a priority. We cannot allow political manipulation and violence to dictate our democracy,” he concluded.
