The All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Ondo state has said its supporters are not promoting violence as currently being claimed by the opposition parties ahead of the October 10 election in the state.

The APC stressed that it detests thuggery and won’t encourage violence.

APC was reacting to opposition parties’ accusation that the ruling party was sponsoring armed political thugs to cause violence ahead of the election.

The governorship election will hold on October 10, 2020, with 17 political parties participating in the exercise.

APC spokesman in the state, Mr. Alex Kalejaye, stated in a statement Wednesday, issued in Akure, that the party does not need violence to win the election.

He said the APC was aware of “uncoordinated blackmail” from members of the People’s Democratic Party and Zenith Labour Party to whip up sentiments ahead of the poll.

The APC spokesman said the governor and candidate of the party, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu is a man of peace and would never accede to thuggery or violence in the state.

While stressing that the ruling APC led government has won the heart of the electorates in the state, Mr. Kalejaye said the party has been engaging in issue-based campaigns rather than attacks on the opposition parties.

He said, “These are what we tell the electorates when we go on the campaign. We neither need guns nor cutlasses to do this.

“The Governor of the State and APC flag bearer, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will never be a man to go about with thugs, guns, or be a party to the violence of whatever colouration.

“Violence and thuggery are not in the character of the ruling party (APC). It is astonishing to hear the PDP accused the ruling party of promoting a do-or-die approach to the election, which is actually their second name.

“The desperation of the PDP leaders is responsible for the bulk of crises recorded so far in the State.

“The so-called “Akure Agenda”, because its candidate is from Akure, explains why the members from the capital have severally launched unprovoked attacks on our members.

“The APC also has it on good authority that the unannounced alliance between the PDP and the Zenith Labour Party is geared towards constant creation of a semblance of attacks on each other, and blame the ruling party for same.”