….Govt Denies Allegations
By Rotimi Ojomoyela
ADO-EKITI — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the rights of all political actors are protected as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti, where party officials expressed concerns over what they described as the treatment of some of their members by security agencies.
Speaking at the briefing, the PDP’s deputy governorship candidate, Deji Ogunsakin, urged security agencies to remain professional and impartial in carrying out their duties.
He also called on political stakeholders to promote a peaceful and democratic environment ahead of the election.
According to him, the party remains focused on its political activities and engagement with voters across the state.
Ogunsakin further appealed to the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to continue supporting democratic principles and ensuring that all citizens enjoy equal protection under the law regardless of political affiliation.
Also speaking, the party’s South-West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, stressed the importance of protecting democratic freedoms and maintaining a level playing field for all political parties.
He urged relevant authorities to ensure that political activities are conducted in accordance with the law and democratic norms.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the PDP in Ikere Local Government Area, Sunday Ashana, called on authorities to provide clarification regarding some party members who were reportedly taken into custody during a recent security operation.
He appealed for due process and transparency in handling such matters.
Responding to the concerns raised by the opposition party, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Yinka Oyebode, dismissed suggestions that the state government was involved in the actions complained of by the PDP.
Oyebode said the Oyebanji administration remains committed to inclusive governance and respects the rights of opposition parties to operate freely within the democratic process.
He also stated that security agencies are continuing efforts to address security challenges in the state and that the government does not interfere with the operations of law enforcement agencies or judicial processes.
The exchange comes as political parties begin consultations and preparations ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
