The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, deputy governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Deji Ogunsakin, has advised Governor Biodun Oyebanji to prepare for defeat at the polls and stop what he described as the harassment of opposition members, saying he would not be the first incumbent governor to lose an election.

Ogunsakin made the remark while addressing journalists on Saturday at the Wole Oluyede Campaign Office in Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti.

He urged Governor Oyebanji to desist from acts of intimidation and harassment against PDP members and accept what he described as the verdict of the electorate, attributing it to the alleged poor performance of the administration.

He told Oyebanji: “Stop intimidation and harassment of PDP members and accept defeat as your fate caused by abysmal performance of your administration, and this overwhelming defeat on June 20 cannot be reversed.”

Ogunsakin alleged that armed men operating under the guise of security agencies invaded homes of party members loyal to the PDP candidate in Ikere Ekiti and other communities, arrested and whisked them away to unknown locations.

Ogunsakin claimed that some of the victims were taken from their homes in the early hours of this morning while their families were left in distress and unaware of 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.

The PDP chieftain described the situation as disturbing, worrisome and embarrassing, insisting that those arrested were neither informed of any offence nor officially charged before being taken away.

According to him, one of the affected persons is the chairman of the party in the ward of the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede.

Ogunsakin further alleged that a former commander of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, is currently 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, intimidate political opponents, and create fear among residents under the cover of security operations.

The PDP deputy governorship candidate warned that continued harassment of opposition members could heighten political tension in the state, urging security agencies to investigate the alleged activities and immediately account for the whereabouts of those arrested.

He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the protection of lives, property, and democratic rights in Ekiti State.

“The President owes every Nigerian the responsibility of protecting lives and ensuring that democracy thrives. Political opposition should not be treated as criminals,” Ogunsakin stated.

He maintained that the PDP remained confident of victory in the forthcoming governorship election and accused the state government of attempting to suppress dissenting voices through intimidation.

Also speaking, a PDP leader, Chief Sanya Atofarati, condemned the alleged arrests, arguing that government should focus on addressing insecurity and kidnapping rather than targeting opposition members.

He said several kidnapped victims remain in captivity across the state and questioned why attention was being diverted to political opponents instead of tackling pressing security challenges.

Atofarati insisted that Ekiti people were yearning for good governance and change, expressing confidence that the PDP candidate, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, enjoys widespread support across the state.

The PDP leaders called on security agencies and relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure that democratic freedoms are protected ahead of the governorship election.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said that recent defections by some party members will not weaken its structure, popularity, or electoral prospects ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye described the development as a regular feature of politics especially during an electioneering period.

He insisted the defections pose no threat to the APC’s readiness and determination to reclaim power in the state.

He maintained that the APC remains the most formidable political force in Osun, with an extensive grassroots structure spanning all wards, polling units, communities, and local government areas.

“The APC in Osun is bigger than any individual or group of individuals. Our party is built on a solid foundation that has endured for decades. We have a resilient structure, loyal membership, and an ever-expanding support base across the state.

“Those who think the APC has been weakened by the exit of a few members are completely out of touch with the realities on the ground. The strength of our party resides in the people, and the people remain firmly with the APC,” he said.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, added that the emergence of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) as the party’s governorship candidate has significantly boosted the morale of members and generated enthusiasm among the electorate.

According to him, Oyebamiji’s widespread acceptability, competence, humility, accessibility, and experience in public service have positioned him as the preferred choice of many voters.

“There is no community in Osun State today where the AMBO movement is not gaining momentum. The support he enjoys cuts across political affiliations, religious divides, age groups, and professional backgrounds. His popularity is organic and continues to grow daily.

“The truth is that no other candidate in the race currently commands the level of goodwill, credibility, acceptability, and political momentum that AMBO enjoys across the state. The people have identified with his vision, and they are eager to entrust him with the responsibility of leading Osun to greater heights,” he said.

The APC stalwart noted that the party remains focused and undistracted by recent political developments, adding that ongoing consultations, stakeholder engagements, reconciliation efforts, and grassroots mobilisation have strengthened internal cohesion.

He urged party leaders, elected officials, stakeholders, and members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation, emphasising that victory would be achieved through collective commitment and hard work.

“This is not the time for distractions or pessimism. It is the time for greater unity, deeper engagement with the people, and stronger mobilisation across our communities. Our structures are intact, our supporters are energised, and our candidate enjoys overwhelming acceptance.

“We are confident, we are prepared, and we are fully positioned for victory. The APC remains the party to beat in Osun State, and by the grace of God and the support of the good people of Osun, we shall emerge victorious on August 15, 2026,” he said.

Oyintiloye also called on party faithful to remain steadfast and committed, assuring them that the APC is on course to reclaim the state’s leadership and usher in a new era of responsible and people-oriented governance.

He appealed to the party’s leadership in the state to sustain efforts at unity for the overall benefit of the APC.

Oyintiloye also urged the party’s leadership to investigate the grievances of some members and take steps to prevent further defections, stressing that every member is important and has a role to play in the party’s victory at the polls.

Ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, has said that the presidency of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is synonymous to Fulani presidency.

Lawal, who recently resigned from the ADC over an allegation of flawed primary election, stated this in a post on his Facebook page late Saturday.

He said his first post on Atiku, who he described as ‘Kachalla’, has made almost the whole of Nigeria’s Fulani race to descend on him with all manner of insults and threats.

“Atiku’s presidency will be synonymous to a Fulani presidency even as Bola Tinubu’s presidency is synonymous to a Yoruba presidency and the Yorubas are proud of him no doubt.

“The vile propaganda, insults and threats that the Atiku’s goons and social media bandits have been churning out on me because as they claim, I have insulted the whole Fulani race in pointing out his fallibility.

“Well, if pointing out the danger an Atiku’s presidency will pose to the country amounts to insulting the whole Fulani race, and if that is how the Fulani race chooses to see it, so be it. It is a free world,” Lawal said.