APC governors barred from Ekiti ahead of polls

Governors Adams Oshiomole (Edo), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) were separated stopped by the military from reaching Ado-Ekiti, a statement by the APC Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Muhammed said.The APC said its governors are being prevented by security agencies apparently acting on ‘’orders from above’’ from travelling to Ado-Ekiti for the party’s final […]

Governors Adams Oshiomole (Edo), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) were separated stopped by the military from reaching Ado-Ekiti, a statement by the APC Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Muhammed said.
The APC said its governors are being prevented by security agencies apparently acting on ‘’orders from above’’ from travelling to Ado-Ekiti for the party’s final campaign on Friday for the election.
The helicopter that was to ferry Gov. Oshiomhole from Benin to Ado-Ekiti was refused permission to take off from the Benin Airport, while the plane that was flying Gov. Kwankwanso to Akure was denied permission to land, Daily Trust learnt.
Earlier, the Rivers State commissioner of Information Mrs  Ibim Semenitari had issued a statement saying Governor Amaechi was refused into Ekiti by the military and was made to turn back to Akure where his chartered aircraft was packed but was chased and rounded up by armed Soldiers and security personnel in Odudu, Ondo State.
“The Rivers State Government is concerned about the safety of Governor Amaechi who is right now being held hostage commando style by soldiers and federal government security agents,” it said
The APC said while Gov. Amaechi’s convoy was being detained in order to force him to turn back, the convoys of the Ministers of Defence and Police Affairs came and were allowed to pass.
“These acts are illegal and definitely not in line with the Electoral Act, which stipulates that campaign for the election will only end at midnight on Friday.
‘’It also represents a manipulation of the electoral process when all the candidates will not be allowed a level playing field to campaign for the election. There is no clearer manifestation of the federal government’s allergy to free, fair, transparent and violence-free election than this,’’ the party said.
It described the development as abuse of national institutions and power.