SAN FRANCISCO, October 28, (THEWILL) – Supporters of Eyitayo Jegede, candidate of the Ahmed Makarfi faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have taken to the street to protest the removal of his name from the governorship list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC, had on Thursday, announced Jimoh Ibrahim of the Ali Modu Sheriff faction as the flagbearer of PDP in the November 26 poll citing a court order from the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In reaction, major highways in Akure, the capital city, and other parts of the state have been blocked by protesters on Friday morning, with bonfires and chants in support of Jegede.
Activities in the capital city is also at lull as residents are indoors for fear that the protest might soon turn awry.
Security personnel comprising men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Army, have reportedly mounted strategic places across the state.
At a point, the police fired teargas canisters to disperse them, but they regrouped after about 40 minutes.
Spokesman for the Police Command in Ondo, ASP Femi Joseph, has however assured the residents of their safety saying the police is committed to the protection of the lives and property adding that normalcy would soon be restored as the command has dispatched more officers to the scene of protests.
Meanwhile, Jegede, has urged his supporters to remain calm, saying he is exploring legal options on his candidacy.
Jegede, in a press statement issued in Akure by his spokesperson, Mr Fasua Kayode, said he had gone to the Court of Appeal to upturn the decision and expressed optimism that justice would be done in the end.
Story by Oputah David.
