2027: Security tightened in Ondo ahead of APC presidential campaign rally

Additional security measures have been put in place in Akure, the Ondo State capital, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally scheduled for Wednesday.

Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent President Bola Tinubu at the event, which will be attended by ministers, top government officials and leaders of the ruling party.

PREMIUM TIMES noticed that security agencies had stepped up vigilance at all strategic points in the state capital. Armed police patrols were seen in the city centre and at entry points.

The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said the force had directed the deployment of adequate personnel to strategic locations in the Akure metropolis.

He said the deployment included conventional police personnel, the Police Mobile Force, tactical teams, intelligence operatives, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) personnel.

He said the command was working with other security agencies to ensure adequate deterrence against breaches of law and order during the rally.

“The command will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that the visit and associated activities are conducted in a peaceful, orderly and hitch-free atmosphere,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ondo APC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council has assured the public of a hitch-free rally, urging all ward and local government chairmen, as well as other party officials, to ensure an impressive turnout of members.

Victor Olabimtan, the council’s director-general in the state, told journalists in Akure on Tuesday that it was set to deliver a performance that would exceed that of 2023.

The rally, scheduled for 9.00 a.m. at the Akure Township Stadium, is expected to attract party leaders, elected representatives, stakeholders and members from the 18 local government areas.

Mr Olabimtan said achieving this ambition would require more than political enthusiasm, noting that unity of purpose, effective coordination, discipline, strategic communication and the active participation of every party member would be critical to victory.

He urged party leaders, stakeholders and members to place collective interests above personal ambitions and aspirations.

The director-general said the party had activated its mobilisation machinery across the 18 LGAs under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.

He also said the rally would give the people of Ondo State an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with President Bola Tinubu, reaffirm confidence in his leadership, and identify with the Renewed Hope vision of his administration.

Mr Olabimitan also highlighted the benefits the state had received from the federal government under the current administration, while acknowledging that some government policies had caused “temporary hardship.”

He maintained that difficult decisions were necessary to address longstanding structural challenges, reposition the economy, strengthen public finances and encourage investment.

The council has been grappling with harmonising the efforts of the many groups within the APC agitating for the President’s re-election, including the FCT Minister and the Nyesom Wike-led Rainbow Coalition.