VAN Southwest Demands Immediate Release of Gafar Asaolu

VAN Southwest Demands Immediate Release of Gafar Asaolu

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Victory Advocates of Nigeria (VAN), Southwest Region has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Gafar Asaolu, who has been illegally detained by police for over 10 days.

In a statement signed by Hon. Sunday Felix Akinyemi, Vice President, Southwest, VAN, and Hon. Yemisi Ajoke Adegoke, Ogun State VAN coordinator, the group condemned the act of injustice and described it as a grave affront to democracy, fairness, and justice.

According to the statement, Mr. Asaolu’s detention is linked to the recent Local Government elections in Ogun State, which were marred by irregularities and criticized as the most fraudulent in the state’s history.

“We appeal to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mustapha Abiodun Alamutu to release the young Nigerian.

“Mr. Asaolu, the Personal Assistant to our esteemed Principal, Asiwaju Sir (Hon.) Dr. Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu, FCPA, who was the Governorship Candidate of our party in the 2023 General Elections, has been unjustly detained for over 10 days.

“The circumstances surrounding Mr. Asaolu’s detention are linked to the recent Local Government elections, which were riddled with irregularities and widely criticized as the most fraudulent in Ogun State’s history.

“The elections, marred by blatant manipulation, lacked transparency, fairness, and credibility, and were orchestrated by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

“The detention of Mr. Asaolu is unjust and appears to be an attempt to silence opposition voices in Ogun State. This act, which punishes him for his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his commitment to the welfare of Ogun State’s citizens, must not be allowed to stand.

“We, the Victory Advocates of Nigeria (VAN), Southwest Region, unequivocally demand the immediate release of Mr. Asaolu and call on all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and uphold democratic values,” Akinyemi said.

The VAN Southwest Region therefore reaffirmed its loyalty to Asiwaju Sir (Hon.) Dr. Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu, who was the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 General Elections.

“Our mission remains clear: to fight for justice, fairness, and the dividends of democracy for all Ogun State indigenous and residents.

“We reaffirm our loyalty to Asiwaju Sir (Hon.) Dr. Oladipupo Adebutu and stand united in his mission to rescue Ogun State from the current maladministration of the APC government.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which we represent, remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, good governance, and service to the people.” the group concluded.