The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The arrest followed his outspoken criticism of the November 16 local government elections, which he described as neither free nor fair.
Adebutu, who was released the following day, addressed the media to clarify the circumstances surrounding his detention. He stated, "The allegations levied on me were baseless and aimed to silence me as a voice of the opposition."
He emphasized his right to free speech, asserting that his critique of the election process was a fundamental expression of this right.
Highlighting his advocacy for financial autonomy for local governments, Adebutu argued that such autonomy could only be achieved through transparent and fair elections.
He noted that this position is not merely partisan but shared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, indicating a broader national consensus on the issue.
Adebutu also expressed concerns about the erosion of local governance in Ogun State over the past five years, describing it as a "desperation to emasculate the third tier of government completely."
This situation, he suggested, shows the urgent need for reforms to strengthen local governance structures.
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