A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Topa Olusegun Peter, has called for an investigation into the alleged unauthorised use of his name as a governorship aspirant ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Peter insisted that he neither purchased a governorship nomination form nor authorised anyone to act on his behalf.
The Baale of Olorunsogo, Ilara, in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, made this known while addressing journalists in Abeokuta on Saturday.
He alleged that his name was published in newspapers as a PDP governorship aspirant without his knowledge or consent. He also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, Ramoni Adebolu, and some other APC chieftains of approaching him with a political offer before the controversy over his purported governorship ambition emerged.
According to Peter, the politicians met him in his hometown, Ilara, and informed him that a political position was available under the PDP but did not explain its precise nature.
He said he immediately rejected the offer, insisting that he was not interested in any arrangement that did not originate from his party.
Peter said he was shocked to discover that newspaper publications had identified him as a PDP governorship aspirant.
He added that when he contacted Adebolu for clarification, the APC chairman urged him to remain calm and promised him financial benefits, a car and a major political appointment following the emergence of Senator Solomon Adeola.
However, Peter denied collecting money from Adebolu or any of the individuals allegedly involved in the arrangement.
“I wish to emphasise here, again, that I never purchased a governorship nomination form, signed any document expressing an intention to contest the governorship election, or authorised anyone to act on my behalf in this regard,” he said.
The controversy, he explained, became more disturbing following reports of a petition allegedly submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by a lawyer, Anderson Asemota of Neplus Ultra Attorneys.
The petition reportedly demanded that the commission publish his client’s name as a governorship aspirant within 48 hours.
Peter denied knowing the lawyer or authorising him to submit any petition on his behalf.
“I have never spoken with or met the lawyer, Anderson Asemota of Neplus Ultra Attorneys, alleged to have written the petition on my behalf,” he stated.
He called on INEC to investigate the reported petition, identify those behind it and establish the circumstances under which his name was allegedly used.
Peter also urged the commission to disregard any document purportedly submitted by him or on his behalf without his authorisation, expressing concern about the safety of himself and his family.
