A pre-congress stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State descended into chaos on Tuesday after suspected political thugs stormed the party secretariat in Akure, leaving several members injured, including the state chairman and a commissioner.
The disruption occurred less than 24 hours before the party’s nationwide ward congress, scheduled to take place across the 203 wards in the state, heightening tension within the party’s ranks.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived at the party secretariat in Akure armed with dangerous weapons, causing panic among party faithful who had gathered for deliberations ahead of the congress.
One of the witnesses, Yetunde Adeyanju, recounted that the assailants openly declared their allegiance to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and issued threats against those advocating for the conduct of the congress.
According to her, the attackers shouted that they were acting in support of the governor and insisted that no congress would take place in the state.
“They said the governor is in charge and nobody can question his authority,” Adeyanju stated. She further alleged that the attackers threatened violence against anyone who spoke in favour of proceeding with the congress.
The invasion reportedly led to the beating of the state party chairman and a commissioner, while several other members sustained varying degrees of injuries in the melee.
The incident has raised concerns about internal divisions within the party as it prepares for the ward congress, a crucial exercise in strengthening grassroots structures ahead of future elections.
Party leaders are yet to issue an official statement detailing the extent of injuries or the security measures being taken to ensure the smooth conduct of the congress. However, political observers say the development underscores growing tensions within party structures in the state.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the attack and restore calm as party members brace for the ward congress across Ondo’s 203 wards.
