By Samuel Sunday
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State has alleged a campaign of intimidation against opposition members through unlawful arrests and midnight raids, warning that the development could threaten peace ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
Addressing journalists at the PDP Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Deji Ogunsakin, alleged that armed men operating under the guise of security agencies invaded homes in Ikere Local Government and other communities, arrested party members, and took them to unknown locations.
Ogunsakin claimed some victims were taken from their homes in the early hours of the morning while their families were left without information on 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 said those arrested were neither informed of any offence nor officially charged before being taken away. Ogunsakin added that one of those affected is the ward chairman of the party in the ward of the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede.
The PDP chieftain further alleged that a former commander of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Superintendent of Police CSP Marcus Ogundola, is 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 invade homes and intimidate political opponents under the cover of security operations.
Ogunsakin called on security agencies to investigate the alleged activities and account for those arrested. He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the protection of lives, property, and democratic rights in Ekiti State.
“Political opposition should not be treated as criminals,” he said. He maintained that the PDP remained confident of victory and accused the state government of attempting to suppress dissenting voices.
Also speaking, PDP leader, Chief Sanya Atofarati condemned the alleged arrests. He said the government should focus on addressing insecurity and kidnapping rather than targeting opposition members. He claimed several kidnapping victims remain in captivity across the state.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Ekiti State Government and the state police command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The PDP leaders therefore called on security agencies and relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure democratic freedoms are protected ahead of the governorship election.
