As Ondo State awaits today’s protest against the extended absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, security personnel have sealed the state secretariat of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
News About Nigeria reports that the move by security operatives has been perceived as an attempt to prevent the impending demonstration.
Reports indicate that officers from both the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Security (DSS) arrived at the PDP secretariat early in the morning at approximately 7 a.m. to implement the closure.
A source within the PDP claimed that the protest, initiated by the party’s youths, was intended to raise questions about Governor Akeredolu’s whereabouts since his return from medical vacation abroad in April 2023.
Kennedy Peretei, the Publicity Secretary of the Ondo PDP, confirmed these developments when contacted by Vanguard.
Recall that the ruling All Progressive Congress in the state and the opposition People’s Democratic Party traded words on Sunday over alleged plans to instigate a crisis following the continued absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in the state, after his return from medical vacation abroad.
Alex Kalejaye, the Publicity Secretary of the Ondo APC, alleged that the PDP had conspired with elements in the APC to disrupt the state’s peace in an attempt to tarnish the ruling party’s image ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
According to Kalejaye, the PDP, despite its leadership issues in Abuja, was seemingly ready to collaborate with some elements within the APC to create chaos in Ondo State, which had been characterised by political stability and industrial harmony.
In response, the Ondo APC strongly condemned the purported plans by the opposition party to stir political unrest and discord among the people. The APC reaffirmed its confidence in Governor Akeredolu, assuring that he was successfully performing his official duties, even while being located elsewhere.
The APC called upon security agencies to exercise vigilance in overseeing and guiding any political gatherings, emphasising the potential for events to escalate beyond the organisers’ control.
Kennedy Peretei, the Publicity Secretary of the Ondo PDP, refuted these claims, categorising the APC as ‘shameless people’.
He pointed out that Governor Akeredolu had been absent from his duties since April, allowing for a substantial breakdown in governance within the state.
Peretei underlined that the PDP had a history of promoting peace and development in Ondo and could not be held responsible for planning a crisis.
He suggested that the APC was fearful of its shortcomings and urged them to either disclose the governor’s location or request his honourable resignation.
