Ekiti PDP alleges abductions, intimidation by APC government ahead of polls

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of orchestrating midnight raids and abductions targeting its members. The PDP alleges that Governor Biodun Oyebanji's government is employing security operatives to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

Ayodeji Ogunsakin, the PDP's deputy governorship candidate, detailed the allegations at a press conference, stating that unidentified individuals, reportedly operating under the guise of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), invaded homes in the Ikere-Ekiti area on Saturday night. Residents were forcibly taken, leaving their families distressed. Ogunsakin claimed that neither the state police commissioner nor the RRS command could account for the whereabouts of those allegedly abducted.

"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," Ogunsakin stated.

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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.

The PDP further alleged that these incidents are part of a broader pattern of intimidation against opposition supporters, particularly those aligned with former governorship candidate Olusola Eleka, who hails from Ikere-Ekiti. The party claims several members have been arrested on "trumped-up charges" or detained for activities linked to political support. Ogunsakin specifically mentioned the continued detention of PDP supporters from Ikere and Ikole Ekiti.

Appealing to President Bola Tinubu, the PDP urged his intervention to safeguard lives, property, and democratic rights in Ekiti State. The party emphasized that political opposition should not be criminalized and that citizens have the right to support their chosen candidates without fear of reprisal. Ogunsakin warned that continued harassment could escalate political tensions before the election and called for an investigation into the alleged raids.

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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.