Violent protest broke out in Akure, the Ondo State, as residents took to the street to protest the removal of Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
Major highways in the capital city and other parts of the state were blocked by protesters burning tires.
Traffic situation has accordingly worsened, as vehicles and taxis seek alternative routes to their destinations.
Jegede, the candidate of the Ahmed Makarfi faction of the PDP, was the candidate of the party on INEC list until 9pm on Thursday when INEC replaced him with Ibrahim, citing court order.
As bonfires were made in some parts of the city and roads blocked, the Police Command gave an assurance to residents of Akure of their safety.
The command’s spokesman, ASP Femi Joseph, told newsmen that the police were committed to the protection of the lives and property.
Joseph enjoined the people to keep calm as normalcy would soon be restored, adding that the command had dispatched officer and men to the scene of protests on Oba Adesida Road.
“We are aware and our men are on their way to the scene, I will speak with you more later as the incident develops.
“We are trying to coordinate our men so that the incident will not escalate,” he said.
