Just In : Prominent Nigerian Politician Returns To Nigeria After Six Months
After approximately six months in the United Kingdom, Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has returned to Nigeria.
His return was confirmed on Friday night as he arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
In an online video, the former House of Representatives member was warmly received by his running mate, Adekunle Akinlade, Tola Banjo, and other leaders of the PDP in Ogun State.
Adebutu’s return comes amid accusations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that he was evading legal issues related to alleged vote-buying during the March 18 governorship election in the state.
The APC State Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, had previously called on Adebutu to return and face the law.
Adebutu’s media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, confirmed his principal’s return, putting an end to the speculations about his whereabouts. The APC had consistently claimed that Adebutu fled the country to avoid legal repercussions. Now that he is back, it remains to be seen how the legal and political dynamics surrounding his return will unfold.
“He is afraid of his shadow. We also know too well that he is running away from being arraigned alongside other members of his party. If he claims otherwise, the best way to prove us wrong is to buy a ticket and board the next available flight home,” Oladunjoye said in a recent interview with The PUNCH.
Nonetheless, in a previous interview, Adebutu explained that his extended stay in the UK was prompted by concerns for his safety. He had gone to the UK for medical treatment following the general elections and cited threats to his life as the reason for choosing to stay abroad.
