A stakeholders’ gathering of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State descended into violence on Tuesday after suspected thugs stormed the party secretariat in Akure, leaving several members injured, including senior party officials.
The disruption occurred less than a day before the scheduled ward congress across the state, heightening internal tensions within the ruling party.
Eyewitness accounts alleged that the attackers arrived armed and issued threats aimed at halting discussions about the congress, creating panic among attendees.
Sources at the scene said prominent party figures, including state chairman Ade Adetimehin and Niger Delta Development Commission board member Otito Atikase, were assaulted during the chaos and later taken for medical treatment.
Reacting to the incident, Adetimehin accused unidentified sponsors of orchestrating the attack to derail the meeting, claiming he was physically assaulted and robbed during the confrontation.
In response, the state government, through Information Commissioner Idowu Ajanaku, rejected allegations linking Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to the violence, describing the claims as misleading and insisting the governor does not condone political intimidation.
Confirming the disturbance, police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh said officers swiftly intervened after receiving a distress alert, restoring calm and launching an investigation into the incident.
Security authorities added that tactical units remain deployed around the area as inquiries continue to identify those responsible and prevent further unrest ahead of the party congress.
