The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, on Saturday, raised the alarm over alleged midnight arrests and intimidation of its members, accusing the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of orchestrating a sustained campaign of harassment against opposition figures ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The party made the allegation at the Wole Oluyede Campaign Office, Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti, where the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hon. Deji Ogunsakin, claimed that armed men suspected to be security operatives invaded the homes of party members in Ikere Ekiti and other communities in the early hours of the day and whisked away some supporters to unknown destinations.
Ogunsakin alleged that the arrests were carried out without prior invitation, explanation or formal charge, adding that families of the affected persons were left in distress and uncertainty over their whereabouts.
“We have contacted various security agencies, including the police and commanders of different units, but nobody has been able to tell us where these people are or who authorized their arrest,” he said.
He described the development as disturbing and embarrassing, insisting that those arrested were not informed of any offence before being taken away.
According to him, one of those affected is the ward chairman of the PDP in the ward of the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede.
Ogunsakin further alleged that a former commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), a Superintendent of Police, CSP Marcus Ogundola, was allegedly coordinating an illegal security outfit known as “H-Squad”, which he accused of operating in police uniforms and carrying out unlawful arrests across the state.
He alleged that members of the outfit storm homes of political opponents, intimidate residents and create fear under the guise of security operations, calling for urgent investigation into their activities.
The PDP candidate warned that continued harassment of opposition members could heighten political tension in the state, urging security agencies to remain neutral and account for those allegedly arrested.
He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, saying it was the responsibility of the Federal Government to guarantee the protection of lives, property and democratic rights.
“The President owes every Nigerian the responsibility of protecting lives and ensuring that democracy thrives. Political opposition should not be treated as criminals,” he stated.
Ogunsakin maintained that the PDP remained confident of victory in the election, accusing the state government of attempting to suppress dissenting voices through intimidation.
Also speaking, a PDP leader, Chief Sanya Atofarati, condemned the alleged arrests, saying government should focus more on tackling insecurity and kidnapping rather than targeting opposition members.
He noted that several kidnapping victims were still in captivity across the state, questioning the diversion of security attention to political opponents.
Atofarati expressed confidence that the PDP candidate enjoys wide acceptance across Ekiti State, insisting that residents were yearning for what he described as good governance and change.
The party leaders called on security agencies and relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure protection of democratic freedoms ahead of the poll.
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