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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Ekiti 2026: PDP accuses Oyebanji of intimidating opposition with security agencies

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • Ekiti State's PDP accuses Governor Biodun Oyebanji of using security agencies to intimidate opposition ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
  • The PDP claims several members have been arrested and harassed for their political affiliations.
  • The state's Information Commissioner dismissed the allegations as untrue and laughable, stating security agencies act when laws are violated.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has accused Governor Biodun Oyebanji of employing security agencies and state machinery to intimidate opposition members ahead of the June 20 governorship election. The PDP alleges that numerous party members have faced arrest, detention, and harassment due to their political affiliations.

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.

— Ayodeji OgunsakinDescribing the political climate in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election.

Ayodeji Ogunsakin, the PDP's Deputy Governorship Candidate, stated at a press conference that purported police operatives have targeted opposition supporters, particularly in Ikere Ekiti and other areas, on questionable grounds. "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," Ogunsakin said. He urged President Bola Tinubu and security authorities to investigate the claims and ensure democratic rights are protected, calling for a level playing field and non-partisan conduct from security agencies.

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.

— Ayodeji OgunsakinAppealing for fair electoral practices and professional conduct from security forces.

Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, vehemently denied the PDP's allegations, describing them as "untrue, laughable and an attempt to gain undue attention." Olatunbosun stated that Governor Oyebanji is not involved in arrests and that the PDP should direct their claims to the security agencies. He added that when individuals violate the law, security agencies perform their duties, advising PDP members to adhere to the rule of law rather than seeking attention. Olatunbosun asserted that the governor is a peace-loving individual committed to responsible leadership.

Untrue, laughable and an attempt to gain undue attention.

— Taiwo OlatunbosunDismissing the PDP's allegations of intimidation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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