ABUJA, Nigeria — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has accused Governor Biodun Oyebanji of using security agencies and state machinery to intimidate opposition members ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
In a statement Sunday, the PDP alleged that the governor’s actions were designed to weaken opposition participation and tilt the political playing field. The party claimed that harassment of its members had intensified as the election date approached.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, dismissed the allegations as “untrue and laughable,” insisting that the government was committed to free and fair elections.
The accusations have stirred debate across political and civic circles. On social media, opposition supporters amplified the PDP’s claims, warning that democracy was under threat. “This is how elections are rigged before ballots are cast,” one user wrote. Another countered, “Both PDP and APC are guilty of intimidation. Nigerians are tired of recycled accusations without evidence.” Videos shared in Facebook groups in Ekiti purported to show police raids, with commenters calling for “international observers to monitor the June 20 election.”
Human rights activists expressed concern, noting that allegations of intimidation have long plagued Nigeria’s electoral process. “Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are afraid to identify with a political party or express their political opinions,” said one activist with the Centre for Democracy and Development, which urged authorities to investigate the claims and ensure that security agencies remain neutral.
Policy makers in Abuja weighed in, with some lawmakers calling for vigilance by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to safeguard the credibility of the polls. Stakeholders in Ekiti, including civil society organizations, warned that even the perception of intimidation could erode public trust in the election outcome.
Social commentators said the controversy reflects a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics, where accusations of state-backed harassment often surface in the run-up to elections. Analysts noted that whether true or not, such claims highlight the fragility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the urgent need for reforms to strengthen electoral integrity.
