A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Davidson Akinlayo, has denied allegations that he sponsored hoodlums to disrupt the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Ekiti State on Saturday. Akinlayo, who represents the Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido-Osi Federal Constituency and is seeking re-election, described the accusation as politically motivated and a deliberate attempt by his detractors to tarnish his reputation and discourage his supporters from voting for him.
The police in Ekiti State had arrested eleven suspected political thugs armed with dangerous weapons at Onikoyi Hotel in Ikun Ekiti, claiming they were sponsored by the federal lawmaker. However, speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Akinlayo stated that only two of those arrested are known to him, identifying them as his media aides.
According to Akinlayo, the two individuals are Boluwatife Ishola and Babatope Ibitola, who are well-known media personalities in Ekiti State. He emphasized that they have never been involved in any criminal activities. The lawmaker further clarified that the other arrested individuals are not from his federal constituency, do not work for him, and are not connected to him. He noted that he had only lodged at the hotel for two or three days while his house was being fumigated and has since returned to his residence.
Akinlayo questioned the motives behind the allegations, pointing out that the other arrested persons are government appointees and non-state actors. He asked rhetorically how they could be working for him and why he would procure guns for them when he does not own a gun himself. The lawmaker highlighted his successful business ventures, including a functional gas plant, filling stations, and real estate, asserting that he entered politics with his own wealth and has never been a puppet.
He stated that his charitable activities and contributions to people's lives, regardless of party affiliation, have earned him widespread support. Akinlayo expressed concern that his opponent, who has not campaigned in any ward within the constituency, is relying on connections to win the primary by manipulating results. He called for a level playing field and urged the government to allow all aspirants to test their popularity through a free and fair contest.
The lawmaker also accused his opponent of using the name of Femi Gbajabiamila to intimidate others, claiming that Gbajabiamila is backing his candidacy. Despite these challenges, Akinlayo remains confident that the people will come out to vote and that democracy will prevail.
