Former House of Representatives aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State, Mr. Mike Ademola Oke, has alleged that political manipulation, internal party strife, and threats to his life compelled him to abandon his campaign.
In a statement to the press, Oke described a hostile political environment plagued by intimidation and irregularities. He pointed to both internal party crises and external interference from rival factions as key factors undermining his bid.
“The primary elections were riddled with numerous electoral malpractices, which I could not accept,” he said. “I rejected the results, prompting the electoral umpire to order a fresh primary election.”
However, Oke said his principled stand sparked a wave of threats from within his own party. He reported receiving disturbing messages and warnings after rejecting the election outcome.
“Aggrieved members of my party began to target me, and these threats escalated to a point where my family’s safety was in jeopardy,” he revealed. “Despite reporting the threats to party leadership, no meaningful action was taken.”
His wife, Elizabeth Bolarinwa Oke, corroborated the claims, stating she lodged a formal complaint with the police on September 13, 2018, over growing concerns about political thuggery. The police investigation reportedly found evidence that members of rival parties were colluding with impostors within the ADC to sabotage Oke’s campaign.
“Political thuggery is widespread and covert in our environment,” Oke said. “It’s a tactic used by those who feel threatened by genuine candidates.”
The family faced a particularly alarming incident in June 2022 when they narrowly escaped a potential attack on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. “A strange vehicle nearly rammed into ours. It was a terrifying experience that underscored how serious the threats had become,” Mrs. Oke recounted.
“This ordeal has been a nightmare,” Mr. Oke added. “I had to seriously consider relocating my family abroad to guarantee their safety.”
Oke is now calling on authorities and electoral bodies to provide greater protection for political aspirants and their families.
“The safety of aspiring leaders must be prioritized. We cannot let intimidation and violence dictate the course of our democracy,” he concluded.
