28th October, 2016
Akure, capital of Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria is boiling as thousands of supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took to the streets to protest the recognition of Mr Jimoh Ibrahim as the party’s governorship candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the November 26 election.
Mr Jimoh Ibrahim who is the candidate of the Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff faction of the PDP was chosen by INEC as the party’s candidate against the popular choice, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi faction of the party.
The protesters blocked major highways in the capital city and other parts of the state. They made bonfires with disused tyres on the roads and prevented vehicles from moving.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has assured the residents of Akure of their safety from the violent protest which erupted in the state in early hours of Friday.
The protest followed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) replacement of the name of Eyitayo Jegede with Jimoh Ibrahim as the PDP governorship candidate for the Nov. 26 election.
The command’s spokesman, ASP Femi Joseph, said the police were committed to the protection of the lives and property.
Joseph enjoined the people to keep calm as normalcy would soon be restored, adding that the command had dispatched officer and men to the scene of protests on Oba Adesida Road.
“We are aware and our men are on their way to the scene, I will speak with you more later as the incident develops.
“We are trying to coordinate our men so that the incident will not escalate,” he said.
Passengers had to alight from taxis and buses due to burnt tyres and debris on roads in Akure.