Security operatives have dispersed supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the venue of the party’s rally ahead of the governorship election in the state.
Party members had converged on the popular Fajuyi Park in Ado Ekiti, the state capital on Wednesday before gunshots were reportedly fired into the air.
Afterwards, Governor Ayodele Fayose attempted to lead the supporters back to the park but the move was thwarted security operatives who reportedly fired gunshots into the air again.
The development resulted in the relocation of the rally to the Government House premises, where Governor Ayodele Fayose and other PDP leaders are expected to address the party members.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, Joshak Habila, confirmed the incident to Channels Television.
Mr Joshak explained that the move by the law enforcement agents was to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state capital and other parts of Ekiti ahead of the July 14 governorship election.
‘Beyond Stomach Infrastructure’
The PDP supporters were dispersed barely one day after at the All Progressives Congress (APC) successfully held its rally at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti.
President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, had stormed the state on Tuesday to canvass support for the party’s candidate in the poll, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
APC national leader Bola Tinubu, as well as some governors on the platform of the party and members of the President’s cabinet, were also present at the rally.
Addressing the gathering at the event, President Buhari had asked the people of Ekiti to embrace the ‘Change Agenda’ of the ruling party.
He had also promised that Dr Fayemi who was once the state governor, and the APC have more to offer the Ekiti people than their rivals in the poll.
The President had said, “My coming here today is not only to campaign but make clear the reason why Ekiti people must embrace the Change Agenda and vote for APC.
“I, therefore, call on Ekiti people! Don’t allow yourself to be insulted by stomach infrastructure. Your future and the future of the upcoming generations are in your hands today. Vote for APC and grow beyond stomach infrastructure.”
