TheCable

Segun Sowunmi, a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun state, was attacked on Monday by suspected political thugs.

The incident happened at the premises of the state’s governorship election petition tribunal.

On Monday, the tribunal commenced hearing the petition filed by Ladi Adebutu, the PDP candidate, challenging the re-election of Dapo Abiodun, the governor of the state.

The road leading to the court premises was cordoned off by a combined team of security operatives.

Despite the presence of security operatives at the venue, suspected political thugs reportedly came in large numbers to support their candidates.

Although they were prevented from entering the court premises, the thugs were reportedly moving around with canes.

A PDP supporter, who was at the scene, told TheCable that members of the party were prevented from entering the court premises.

The witness, who asked not to be named, alleged that the court only had a few slots for members to witness the proceedings.

He said as a result, Sowunmi and other PDP supporters parked their cars some metres away from the court and decided to walk down to the court.

“We PDP members were not allowed into the court premises. So when we heard that, we, including Sowunmi, parked a few metres away and decided to walk down,” the source told TheCable.

“While walking towards the gate, Sowunmi, who was at the front, was being hailed by his supporters. Suddenly the political thugs descended on him and started flogging him with canes. We were also attacked. We all ran for dear life.”