……. Aiyedatiwa promised to prevent thugs invasion —Adetimehin alleges .
A deepening crisis within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has exploded into violence on Monday when suspected thugs invaded the party’s state secretariat, assaulting leaders and disrupting a stakeholders’ meeting convened ahead of the planned congress.
Eyewitnesses alleged that more than 100 men stormed the secretariat, wielding sticks, cutlasses, and other dangerous objects.
The attackers reportedly ordered everyone to vacate the hall, insisting that no congress would hold in the state.
In the process, the State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, who was physically assaulted, alleged that the invasion was a calculated attempt to stop the party’s congress and intimidate party officials perceived to be in support of it.
Trouble reportedly began after a Congress Committee from Abuja met with state party leaders at the APC secretariat to outline modalities for the forthcoming congress.
According to Adetimehin, the committee advised that a stakeholders’ meeting be held the following day to further brief party leaders.
The chairman said he informed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa about the meeting and also raised concerns about intelligence, suggesting that some groups were mobilising to disrupt it.
“He (Aiyedatiwa) assured me that such could not happen under his watch and that he would caution anyone behind it,” Adetimehin stated.
Adetimehin claimed he was dragged on the floor during the melee and dispossessed of personal belongings, including two mobile phones and his wristwatch.
“They beat leaders and members mercilessly,” he alleged. “They said there would be no congress,” he said even as some of his Aides were attacked.
Former Commissioner for Community Development, Mrs. Yetunde Adeyanju, who said she was present, alleged that the attackers issued threats against anyone advocating for the congress.
“Our lives are in danger,” she said, describing the development as unprecedented in the state’s political history.
BATTLE OVER CONGRESS
The crisis is rooted in disagreement over whether the APC in Ondo State should proceed with a congress or adopt a consensus arrangement.
While some leaders are insisting on conducting the congress as directed by the national leadership, others are believed to favor an alternative approach.
Political observers say the violent disruption signals an escalation in internal power struggles that could threaten party cohesion in the state.
There have been calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC national leadership to urgently intervene to prevent further deterioration.
As tensions remain high, the fate of the planned congress hangs in the balance, raising questions about the future direction of the ruling party.
ONDO GOVT DEFENDS AIYEDATIWA
In swift reaction, the Ondo State Government distanced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa from the incident, dismissing allegations of complicity as “false, reckless, and politically motivated.”
In a statement, the government said the governor neither convened the meeting nor authorised any disruption, insisting that he remains committed to democratic engagement and internal party processes conducted within the law.
The statement acknowledged reports of unrest at the APC secretariat but noted that security agencies responded promptly to restore order and prevent escalation. It added that law enforcement authorities are empowered to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful political participation, the government maintained that several political meetings have been held across the state without incident, reflecting what it described as a prevailing atmosphere of calm.
“The administration further stated that Governor Aiyedatiwa remains focused on governance and the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prioritising development and stability in Ondo State.
“Members of the public were urged to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow due process to take its course, as the government reiterated that it will not condone violence or actions capable of undermining democratic values.”
