Presidency Fumes Over Ondo APC Protest, Faults Gov Aiyedatiwa

The Presidency has reportedly expressed anger over protests that greeted the release of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms to All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly candidates in Ondo State.

Sources familiar with the development said the Presidency was particularly displeased that the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, and the APC State Women Leader, Iji-Ayeola, were allegedly seen in viral videos leading protests against President Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Security agencies were said to have been directed to investigate the organisers and sponsors of the protests.

According to sources, the Presidency felt betrayed by the protest, which occurred in an APC-controlled state under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

A source told The Guardian that the development was considered disturbing because Aiyedatiwa is widely believed to have enjoyed the President’s support.

Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, had earlier denied Osamaye’s involvement in the protest during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

However, another source said Ondo was the only state where such a protest took place.

“Did you notice that Ondo was the only state where such a protest took place? Interestingly, while his supporters were protesting in Akure, he was in Abuja appealing to Bisi Akande and Pius Akinyelure to facilitate a meeting with the President, but the party elders declined,” the source said.