The Presidency has reportedly expressed displeasure over protests that followed the release of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms to All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly candidates in Ondo State, with security agencies said to have been directed to investigate those behind the demonstrations.
Sources familiar with the matter said the Presidency was particularly disturbed by allegations that the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, and the APC State Women Leader, Mrs. Iji-Ayeola, were seen in viral videos leading protesters who criticised President Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
According to the sources, the Presidency viewed the development as a betrayal, especially as the protest occurred in an APC-controlled state governed by Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is widely believed to have enjoyed President Tinubu’s political support.
A source told The Guardian that the incident raised concerns within the Presidency because of the perception that party loyalists in the state publicly demonstrated against the President and the APC leadership.
The source added that security agencies had been instructed to investigate the organisers and sponsors of the protest to determine those responsible for the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, had earlier dismissed reports linking Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, to the protest.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Ajanaku denied that Osamaye participated in or led the demonstration.
However, another source maintained that Ondo was the only state where such protests were recorded following the release of the nomination forms.
“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.
The reported protests have further highlighted internal tensions within the APC in Ondo State ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections, although neither the Presidency nor security agencies have officially commented on the reported investigation.