Yayi warns against violence toward APC candidates and campaign materials

The Ogun State governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Solomon Adeola, known as Yayi, has spoken out against attacks on APC candidates and the destruction of their campaign materials, like billboards and posters.

Adeola said the party will no longer accept political violence, the destruction of campaign materials, or intimidation against its candidates and supporters.

He made these comments in a statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Odunaro, on Sunday. This was during the inauguration of 357 ward and local government coordinators of the APC in Yewa South Local Government Area.

The event also saw the distribution of vehicles. Important figures present included the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former deputy governors, Alhaja Salmot Badru and Segun Adesegun; the Minister of State for Health, Dr Kunle Salako; Senator Lekan Mustapha; and Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, the Director-General of the Ogun State APC Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council.

Adeola urged political players and their supporters to follow the rules and promote peaceful political activities as the 2027 elections approach.

"I condemn the reported attacks on APC candidates and campaign materials. No individual or political group has a monopoly of violence.

"Nobody has a monopoly of violence. Stoning candidates and their supporters, and destroying APC candidates’ posters and billboards, will no longer be tolerated. Nobody is above the law," he said.

The senator emphasized that attacks on President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other APC candidates must stop. He warned that the party would not accept any further political aggression.

Adeola explained that the number of ward coordinators had increased from 236 to 357 after looking at the needs of different wards across the state.

He told the newly inaugurated coordinators to work hard to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures. He warned that anyone found causing problems or undermining the APC would be removed.

The senator also advised the beneficiaries not to personalize the vehicles and motorcycles given to them. He said these items were meant for party mobilization and official tasks only.

He noted that plans were being made to provide Closed User Group telephone lines to the coordinators to enhance communication and coordination in the state.

Adeola mentioned that this inauguration marked the end of his tour across all 20 local government areas in Ogun State. He added that concerns and memoranda from communities during these engagements would be included in his economic plan and manifesto, called ITESIWAJU.

He is confident that the expanded grassroots structure will help the APC reach its goal of getting two million votes for President Tinubu in the upcoming presidential election.