Tension is reportedly building in parts of Ekiti State following allegations that firearms were distributed to members of the Peace Corps during a secret meeting held at the Government House, ahead of the planned visit of Engr. Kayode Ojo, a governorship hopeful under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to reports circulating across the state, the meeting was allegedly convened to mobilize certain individuals to disrupt the movement and rallies of the aspirant as he begins his ward-to-ward tour of all 177 wards in Ekiti. It was further alleged that caps branded with Kayode Ojo’s name and logo were produced in large numbers, purportedly to disguise hired thugs who may infiltrate his gatherings and cause unrest.
In addition, there are claims that instructions have been issued to commercial drivers, transport unions, and Okada riders’ associations to limit movement and restrict transportation across several areas on the days of Ojo’s rallies. The alleged order, if true, appears to be a move to reduce the turnout of citizens eager to attend the events, a situation that many believe could undermine the freedom of movement and assembly guaranteed under the law.
Reacting to the development, a civic group known as the Civic Action Alliance (CAA) condemned the reported incidents, warning that any act capable of instigating violence or political intimidation could endanger the peace of the state.
The group also appealed to transport workers, drivers, and Okada operators not to comply with any directive that would deprive them of their legitimate income or daily hustle, urging them to continue their operations peacefully and not feel intimidated by political pressure.
While stressing that the whole reports remain unverified, the Civic Action Alliance called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the allegations transparently and ensure that no person or institution uses state resources to manipulate the democratic process.
CAA further cautioned against the recruitment of young people for political thuggery, urging parents and community leaders to warn their wards against involvement in any violent or disruptive activity.
“As Engr. Kayode Ojo embarks on his ward-to-ward consultations, every aspirant must be allowed to campaign freely and peacefully,” the group said. “The government must ensure a level playing field and uphold the spirit of fairness and democracy.”
The Civic Action Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, good governance, and civic responsibility, adding that the unity of Ekiti should come before partisan politics.
“Peace is not weakness,” the group concluded. “It is the true strength that sustains progress and democracy.”
