The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State yesterday exchanged verbal invectives over allegations of opposition intimidation and governance ahead of the June 20 governorship election in the state.

The ADC governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, accused the Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration of suppressing opposition voices and running what he described as an anti-democratic government.

Addressing reporters during the May Congress of Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Ekiti State Council, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the ADC candidate accused the governor of creating an atmosphere that was hostile to opposition politics.

He alleged that opposition politicians and individuals perceived to be critical of the administration were being subjected to constant intimidation and harassment, a situation he said was unhealthy for democratic governance.

Bejide maintained that democracy could only flourish in an environment where citizens and political actors were free to express divergent opinions without fear of victimisation.

“The government has been persistent in intimidating opposition members. It is not only our party; even within their own party, they are intimidating members they believe are not with them.

“I visited the prison today and met several people accused of one offence or the other based on political differences. I met APC members, PDP members and even ADC members. This government does not want opposition.

“They do not want dissenting voices, which is anti-democratic. Democracy is about people offering their own positions and views, but this government is intolerant of that,” he said.

The state APC Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, described Bejide’s allegation as unfounded, baseless and politically motivated, insisting that the governor had demonstrated commitment to democratic principles and good governance.

Dipe said the claims were calculated attempt by the ADC candidate to gain political relevance and attract public attention ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

He argued that having failed to present convincing alternatives to the people, the ADC had resorted to making puerile lies and peddling falsehood in a bid to remain in the political spotlight.

He added that rather than engaging in what he described as “cheap political propaganda”, Bejide should concentrate on presenting their programmes and vision to voters and allow the electorate to make an informed decision at the polls.

“It is unfortunate that Ambassador Bejide has chosen to resort to baseless allegations rather than engage the electorate on issues. Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji remains one of the most peaceful states in the country where political actors freely express their opinions without harassment,’’ he added.

“The governor operates an open-door policy and regularly engages stakeholders across political, religious and social divides. There is no policy of intimidation against opposition members as alleged.

“The achievements of this administration in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and workers’ welfare are visible for all to see. Rather than peddling falsehood, Ambassador Bejide should present alternative programmes to the people”, he said.

He added that the forthcoming election would be decided by the Ekiti people based on the performance of the administration and not what he described as “unsubstantiated claims by desperate politicians.” (The Nation)