Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
AKURE — The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, and several other party leaders were assaulted on Tuesday when armed thugs stormed a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s secretariat in Akure, escalating tensions within the state chapter of the ruling party.
The incident, which occurred during what party sources described as a closed-door consultation among senior members, reportedly triggered panic and confusion as the attackers forced their way into the premises. Witnesses said the assailants, some allegedly wielding sticks and other weapons, disrupted proceedings and physically attacked individuals present before security personnel could intervene.
Mr. Adetimehin, an engineer by training who has led the Ondo chapter of the All Progressives Congress for several years, was said to have sustained minor injuries in the fracas. Other party executives and stakeholders were also reportedly affected, though the full extent of injuries had not been officially confirmed as of press time.
Party officials described the disruption as premeditated, alleging that the attackers targeted the meeting to derail internal consultations ahead of critical political activities in the state. While no group immediately claimed responsibility, insiders suggested that underlying factional disputes within the party may have contributed to the violence.
The Ondo State secretariat of the APC, located in the state capital, has long served as a hub for strategic meetings and reconciliation efforts. Tuesday’s incident marks one of the most brazen disruptions of party activities in recent years, raising concerns about escalating internal rivalries.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as participants scrambled for safety. Some vehicles parked within the premises were reportedly damaged in the melee. A number of attendees sought refuge in nearby offices while others fled the building entirely as the confrontation intensified.
The motive behind the attack remains under investigation. However, political observers note that the APC in Ondo State has been navigating internal tensions linked to leadership alignments, candidate endorsements, and preparations for forthcoming electoral engagements. Stakeholders’ meetings are typically convened to harmonize positions and reduce friction among competing blocs.
In a brief statement following the incident, party sources condemned the violence and called for a thorough investigation. They emphasized that political disagreements must be resolved through dialogue rather than force, warning that acts of intimidation undermine democratic norms and party cohesion.
Security operatives were later deployed to restore order at the secretariat. The Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State confirmed that it had received reports of the disturbance and was assessing the situation. A police spokesperson indicated that preliminary inquiries were underway to identify those responsible and determine whether arrests would follow.
Local civil society groups expressed concern about the broader implications of political violence within party structures. Analysts argue that internal party democracy is critical to the stability of Nigeria’s electoral system, as disputes at the primary level can reverberate through general elections and governance processes.
Political violence, even at intra-party levels, has historically posed challenges in parts of Nigeria. Experts caution that such incidents can erode public confidence and deter grassroots participation if left unchecked. They also highlight the importance of law enforcement neutrality and swift accountability to prevent recurrence.
Within Ondo State, reactions from party members were mixed. Some described the attack as a regrettable setback to reconciliation efforts, while others called for immediate disciplinary measures against individuals suspected of orchestrating the disruption. Several stakeholders urged the national leadership of the APC to intervene decisively to stabilize the state chapter.
Mr. Adetimehin has been a prominent figure in the party’s state politics, overseeing organizational activities and mediating disputes among members. His reported assault has amplified calls for enhanced security at party functions and a more structured conflict-resolution framework.
The APC, which remains one of Nigeria’s dominant political parties at the federal level, has in recent months emphasized unity and consolidation across state chapters. Incidents such as Tuesday’s disruption risk complicating those efforts, particularly in states where political alignments remain fluid.
As investigations continue, attention will focus on whether the violence reflects deeper structural disagreements or isolated actions by disgruntled elements. Political analysts note that proactive engagement, transparent processes, and credible grievance mechanisms are essential to mitigating factional tensions.
For residents of Akure and the wider Ondo community, the incident serves as a reminder of the fragile intersection between political competition and public order. While no fatalities were reported, the assault underscores the volatility that can accompany high-stakes political deliberations.
Authorities have urged calm and appealed to party members to cooperate with investigators. The coming days are expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack and whether formal charges will be filed.
As Nigeria’s political calendar advances, the stability of party structures at the state level will remain a critical factor in shaping the broader electoral environment. Ensuring that internal processes are conducted peacefully and transparently is widely seen as fundamental to preserving democratic integrity.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments