By Dayo Johnson, Akure

AKURE — The Presidency has reportedly ordered an investigation into the protest that followed the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly candidates in Ondo State.

According to sources, security agencies have been directed to investigate the organisers and sponsors of the protest.

The protest followed dissatisfaction among some party members over the APC’s decision on its National Assembly candidates for the state.

Reacting to reports linking the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Seun Osamaye, to the protest, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, denied the allegation.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Ajanaku said the commissioner merely received the protesters and assured them that their concerns would be communicated to the party leadership.

“The Commissioner for Women Affairs did not speak against the party. I think it was the women that protested in Ondo State.

“She was there to receive them and assure them that whatever information they had would be communicated to the leadership of the party,” he said.

He added that the commissioner did not make any statement against the APC during the protest.

Sources familiar with developments said the Presidency was monitoring the situation following the demonstration.

The sources also said the dispute stemmed from disagreements over the emergence of the party’s National Assembly candidates, with differing interests among stakeholders in the state.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Presidency on the reported investigation were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, sources said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has directed government officials to refrain from making public comments on the protest.