PDP Claims Members Abducted, Blames Ekiti Government

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has claimed that some of its members were abducted during midnight raids in Ikere-Ekiti.

The party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji of using security forces to intimidate the opposition ahead of the governorship election set for June 20.

Ayodeji Ogunsakin, the PDP deputy governorship candidate, made these claims at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Sunday.

Mr Ogunsakin said unidentified men, allegedly part of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), invaded homes late Saturday night. He claimed they forcefully took residents away, leaving their families in distress.

He stated that neither the state police commissioner nor the RRS could tell where those taken were during the operation.

"As I speak to you, our lawyer has been to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), but could not locate any of the people arrested. We do not know where they are. Their homes were invaded, doors broken, and they were taken away like criminals," he said.

Ogunsakin further claimed this incident was part of a wider trend of intimidation against opposition members in the state, especially supporters of Olusola Eleka, the party’s former governorship candidate from Ikere-Ekiti.

He noted that many PDP members have been arrested in recent months on what he called "trumped-up charges". Others remain in detention related to political activities.

He specifically mentioned the ongoing detention of party supporters from Ikere and Ikole Ekiti, saying they were targeted for openly backing the opposition.

Mr Ogunsakin also accused certain politicians and security personnel of harassing Eleka’s family members in Ikere-Ekiti. He claimed people arrested during one incident were later released, while the person who complained was arrested.

The PDP deputy governorship candidate urged President Bola Tinubu to step in and ensure the safety of lives, property, and democratic rights in Ekiti State.

He said political opposition should not be treated as a crime in a democracy, stressing that people should support their chosen candidates without fear of intimidation or arrest.

"The president is a democrat and a father to all Nigerians. It cannot be in his interest to see people being harassed, intimidated or abducted because of their political beliefs," he said.

Mr Ogunsakin warned that ongoing harassment of opposition members could increase political tensions in the state before the election. He urged security agencies to look into the allegations and reveal where those taken during the raids are.

He insisted that the PDP would keep resisting efforts to undermine democracy in the state. He called for the immediate release of all party members unlawfully held.

Yinka Oyebode, the governor’s chief press secretary, dismissed the claims as cheap political blackmail.

Mr Oyebode, speaking over the phone, said security agencies are working hard to rescue the victims while insisting that the government does not interfere with judicial matters.

"Governor Biodun Oyebanji is a leader who runs an inclusive administration. He allows opposition to exist; he does no harm to opposition.

"That has continued even through these electioneering sessions. So, whatever the PDP candidate says can be likened to a beer parlour allegation," he said.