Lagos — Leaders of the Action Congress (AC) in the South-west, yesterday advised the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to forgo "political brigandage and thuggery," and return to the path of constitutionality and the rule of law, just as they call for investigation into the recent bomb explosion at the government secretariat in Oshogbo, Osun State capital.

The party leaders made the call in a 12-point communiqué issued in Lagos at the end of the South-west delegate conference of the party in Ikeja, Lagos, and warned that the PDP "will be held responsible if any evil befalls any AC candidate in the South-west."

The conference, which had in attendance, Governor Babatunde Fashola, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Lam Adesina, Titilayo Ajanaku, Senators Ayo Fasanmi, Tony Adefuye, Kayode Fayemi, Dipo Dina among others, asked the "PDP to immediately halt all threats to life and intimidation of AC members across the South-west."

The party also called on "PDP governments in the South-west to allow the election tribunal run its full course," and urged a probe into recent murder of former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Ondo State Governor.

"A special investigation panel should be set up, comprising credible leaders and members of the society that would thoroughly investigate murder of CSO to governor of Ondo State," the communiqué read.

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, at the occasion, berated the arm-twisting tactics of the PDP in the region, which he claimed led to harassment, intimidation and detention of some AC politicians in Osun and Ekiti states."The time has come for us to say no to the oppression, muzzling of opposition, and harassment of our members and standard bearers of our party in the South-west, especially in Osun, Ekiti and Oyo states, using the machineries of state."

He said AC is fighting a just cause in the South-west, and expressed optimism that the "stolen mandate" would be returned at the various Elections Petitions Tribunal.

"Without prejudice to the tribunal, I know we will get justice. But It would be unfair to put pressures on the tribunal. The tribunal is the last stage in the electoral process, and we are on the last lap. We have confidence in the judges and we know that we will get justice," Fashola said, and emphasised the need for Lagos to host the delegate conference being "the only state that is currently governed by the AC."

Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba and the party's gubernatorial candidate in Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi, vowed not to relent in their efforts until the "mandate stolen" from the party is retrieved.

AC lawmakers in Ekiti and Osun states were recognised and applauded for their sterling qualities in upholding the cause of justice.