…Party blames Attack on State
By our reporter
Ado-Ekiti
What was meant to be a peaceful and unifying meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ado-Ekiti turned violent when armed thugs invaded the venue, attacking party members and disrupting the reconfirmation of the ADC Ekiti State executives.
The high-profile event was attended by top leaders of the ADC, including Hon. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the National Secretary of the party and former Governor of Osun State, and Dr. Dele Ganiyu Ajadi, the Deputy National Chairman (Southwest). They were joined by several notable political figures from Ekiti State who came to show solidarity and strengthen the party’s structure in the state.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Prof. Olusola Eleka, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State; Ambassador Dare Bejide, former Secretary to the State Government and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Canada; Hon. Akin Omole, former Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation; Hon. Yemi Arokodare, former member of the House of Representatives; Prof. Olumuyiwa Babalola, Economic Ambassador of the World International Economic Group and an International Development Expert; Aare Amerijoye; Kayode Adaramodu, International Development Consultant; Hon. Ilesanmi, the ADC State Chairman; and Rt. Hon. Aribisogan, former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, among others.
The meeting, which began peacefully with speeches from the national leadership on the importance of rebuilding and repositioning the party in Ekiti State, descended into chaos when suspected political thugs stormed the venue, shooting sporadically and chasing away party members. Several attendees sustained varying degrees of injuries, and property was destroyed in the ensuing mayhem.
According to reports, the attack was allegedly “carried out by agents loyal to the ruling party in the state.”
In a statement issued after the incident, the ADC condemned the violence and accused State government of complicity, citing his failure to address the matter or condemn the assault. It alleges that, “This attack is a direct assault on democracy and freedom of association”, the statement read. “The State government’s continued silence is unacceptable.”
The party’s national secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, expressed deep disappointment over the incident, emphasizing that the ADC remains committed to peaceful political engagement and democratic renewal.
“We came to Ekiti to reaffirm our executives and strengthen the party’s foundation for the future, ” Aregbesola said. “It is unfortunate that thuggery is still being used as a political weapon in a state known for its intellectual and democratic culture. We will not be intimidated. “
The ADC leadership therefore, called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigations demanding to “Ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.” According to the report, the party also reassured its supporters across the state that it remains undeterred in its mission to offer credible leadership and inclusive governance.
“No amount of violence or intimidation will stop the ADC from standing firm with the people of Ekiti, ” the statement concluded.
All efforts to reach the Governor or the Press Officer had mot been successful as at the time of filling the news.
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