By Mercy Gadia
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Davidson Akinlayo, has denied allegations of thuggery levelled against him by the Ekiti State Police Command, describing the claims as politically motivated ahead of the All Progressives Congress primary election in the state. He said the allegations were part of a plot to tarnish his image and discourage his supporters from participating in the exercise.
Akinlayo, who represents Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido-Osi Federal Constituency and is seeking re-election, said the allegation was politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his image.
The police had reportedly arrested 11 suspected political thugs armed with dangerous weapons at Onikoyi Hotel in Ikun Ekiti, alleging that they were sponsored by the federal lawmaker.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Akinlayo said only two of those arrested were known to him, identifying them as his media aides, Boluwatife Ishola and Babatope Ibitola.
He said, “They said they went to that hotel and caught some people. It is only two people that I know from that group, the head of my media and the assistant media aide, Boluwatife Ishola and Babatope Ibitola. They are well known in Ekiti State and have never been involved in any criminality.
“The rest that were arrested are well known in town. None of them is from my federal constituency, none of them work for me. I only lodged in the hotel for two or three days when my house was fumigated, and I have since returned home.”
The lawmaker further alleged that the other arrested individuals were linked to the state government.
“They are appointees of government; we all know them. They are on government payroll and are non-state actors. So how are they working for me? How can I now be accused of buying them guns? Do I even have a gun myself?” he queried.
Akinlayo maintained that he built his wealth before venturing into politics and had no reason to engage in violence.
“I have a thriving business. I have functional gas plants, filling stations, and I am into real estate. I came into politics with my own resources. People support me because I have touched lives through charity and assistance across Ekiti State,” he said.
He also accused his unnamed opponent of attempting to manipulate the primary election results instead of campaigning.
“My opponent has not campaigned in a single ward but is boasting of using connections to write results. Is that how democracy is practised?” he asked.
He alleged further that voters were being intimidated and warned not to participate in the primary.
“People are being told not to come out for the shadow election, that they will be attacked. But people will come out to vote. Why is my opponent afraid of a free and fair contest?” he said.
Akinlayo called on the leadership of the APC and security agencies to ensure a level playing field and adequate security before, during, and after the exercise.
“Security agencies — DSS, Civil Defence, and the Police — should be present in all wards as early as 8 a.m. to ensure a peaceful process. Nobody should be intimidated,” he said.
Reaffirming his innocence, the lawmaker insisted that neither he nor his aides were involved in any criminal activity.
“I have campaigned in three local governments with massive crowds and no incident of violence. A popular candidate does not need to rig; he only needs the support of the people,” he added.