TheCable

The Osun state government says there are plans by some persons to disrupt the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The PDP governorship primary is slated for Tuesday.

Speaking on the development in a statement issued on Monday, Ismail Omipidan, spokesman to Gboyega Oyetola, governor of Osun, said suspected political thugs plan to wear caps and other materials bearing the logo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to disrupt the PDP primary.

“We are compelled to raise this alarm as an early warning of the clandestine schemes by some unscrupulous elements to tarnish the image and reputation of the APC, the governor and its candidate,” Omipidan said.

“This is to cause trouble and paint the picture of a volatile state and with a view to putting the blame on APC’s doorstep.

“As a government and party, we held a peaceful, credible, free and fair direct primary without rancour and violence.

“We shall therefore have no reason to instigate or support violence anywhere within the state.

“The intelligence at our disposal confirms the plot to cause violence is indeed real. As a responsive and responsible government, we are already taking steps to deal with it.

“We, therefore, warn those behind this nefarious plot to jettison the idea as security operatives have been put on the alert and mandated to deal decisively with anyone bent on causing violence and destruction in Osun.”

He called on the PDP to watch out for “fifth columnists” within its fold, and also urged security operatives to deal decisively with troublemakers before, during and after the primary.

Omipidan also appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used as tools by “merchants of violence and destruction”.

“Our state is renowned for peace, and we are ready to take every legitimate step to keep it so before, during and after the PDP primary,” he added.