The Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State has accused Governor Biodun Oyebanji of using security agencies to scare opposition members ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the PDP's claims are “untrue and laughable.”
PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Ayodeji Ogunsakin, claimed that many PDP members have been arrested, detained, and harassed because of their political ties to the party.
Ogunsakin made these statements at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Sunday. He called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies “to investigate the allegations and ensure that democratic rights are protected ahead of the governorship election.”
He added, “We call on all relevant authorities to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties and ensure that security agencies remain professional and non-partisan in the discharge of their duties as we approach the election.”
Ogunsakin noted that some police officers have targeted supporters of opposition parties, especially in Ikere Ekiti and other areas, for arrest on unclear charges.
He said, “The atmosphere being created is one of fear and intimidation. Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are afraid to identify with a political party or express their political opinions.”
The PDP deputy governorship candidate also mentioned that there have been overnight raids on the homes of opposition members. Some members have been detained for political activities like showing campaign materials and openly supporting PDP candidates.
Ogunsakin accused the state government of focusing on opposition members instead of solving the real security issues facing the people. He warned that the ongoing harassment of opposition members could increase political tension in the state as the election approaches.
He stated, “Political competition should be based on performance and public support rather than intimidation or the suppression of dissenting voices.”
But Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, spoke to our correspondent on Sunday. He dismissed the PDP's claims as “untrue, laughable and an attempt to gain undue attention.”
Olatunbosun said, “Governor Oyebanji is not involved in the arrest of people; the PDP should channel their allegations to the security agencies.
“When people violate the law, the security agencies are there to do their job. The PDP members should follow the rule of law and stop trying to gain attention. They should stop parading thugs as their members.
“The governor is a peace-loving person, with character in leadership and intelligence in the governance of the state,” the commissioner added.
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