Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State to release members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) allegedly detained ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, made the appeal during the PDP mega rally held in Ado-Ekiti over the weekend.
She criticised politics based on intimidation and bitterness, saying political parties should compete through their ideas and manifestoes rather than through fear and coercion.
The PDP had earlier accused the APC of using “Form K” to arrest and intimidate its members in a bid to disenfranchise them before the election.
Natasha also endorsed the PDP governorship candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, describing him as a competent leader capable of changing the fortunes of the state. She urged Ekiti residents to vote for the party.
“I would just call on the government to please release those people arrested under our party,” she said.
“I do not believe politics should be practised on the grounds of bitterness. Candidates should campaign on their manifestoes and allow the public to decide based on their ideals and philosophies.
“I trust that the June 20 election will be fair and credible.”
In his address, Oluyede accused the incumbent governor of depending on President Bola Tinubu’s influence to secure re-election instead of campaigning on his achievements.
He appealed to the President to allow Ekiti people decide their next governor without interference.
“The governor is hanging on to the President to win this election instead of the other way around,” Oluyede said.
“My message to the President is simple: he does not need this governor; the governor needs him. Let Ekiti be open for the people to choose the best candidate.
“The President cannot afford the backlash of supporting a failed government.”
Those present at the rally included the Director-General of the Campaign Council, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe; PDP’s 2022 governorship candidate, Bisi Kolawole; Senator Duro Fasuyi; former Acting Governor and ex-Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Tunji Odeyemi; PDP National Women Leader, Professor Adenike Ogunseye; and former Speaker, Kola Oluwawole.
