Oke, who was reacting to allegations by INEC that the minister got himself involved in thwarting the election, said the allegations were not only untrue but targeted at tarnishing the integrity and reputation of the minister, the Nigerian Military and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by his Media Adviser, Kunle Adebayo, Oke said, "Senator Musiliu Obanikoro as a responsible and esteemed leader of our party, joined other leaders on the campaign train of our party to Ajapa and Arogbo areas of Ese – Odo Local Government on Thursday April 3, 2014 (two clear days before the election) just as PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, led our party's national delegation to the grand rally at Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, four days earlier.
"After participating in the rally which lasted till late evening, the minister left Ondo State very early Friday morning, one clear day before the election. He was not in Ondo State during or after the election and so was not in a position to lead soldiers, intervene or visit the venues of the election.
"I strongly challenge the INEC REC, Akin Orebiyi, to substantiate his spurious and irresponsible claims to the contrary."
He said he wondered why the REC who was supposed to be an impartial arbiter, descended to the level of relaying the allegations on the lips of members of the Labour Party.
"During the election, except for areas where paid thugs disrupted the process, the election, as widely reported by the media, went well with the military and other security forces and even INEC workers discharging themselves effectively, professionally and creditably," Oke said.
He added that instead of blackmailing Obanikoro, the LP should brace for the inevitable supplementary election.
Culled from PUNCH.
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