The protesters alleged that due to incessant attacks on the community by Fulani herdsmen, a woman was incapable of piloting the affairs of the area creditably.

Leader of the protesters, Abel Omaluwa, said that the security situation in the area did not warrant a woman to be at the helm of affairs.

Omaluwa said: ​”We are not against Echoda as a person​, but being a woman and giving the present security situation in the area, she cannot perform well.

“With recurring cases of fresh attacks between farmers and herdsmen, the situation will be too difficult for a woman to manage effectively.

“Since the announcement of Echoda as the party’s candidate, our teeming supporters are discouraged.

“Our fears are that if the woman is allowed to contest, it will have adverse effects in this and subsequent elections.”

Omaluwa, who appealed to APC to look into their request​, presented a copy of their petition, signed by 30 people to the leader of the government’s delegate, Dr Tavershima Adyorough.