Chaos Erupts as Thugs Attack APC Headquarters, Chairman Assaulted in Ondo

A violent incident unfolded at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday as armed thugs allegedly assaulted and expelled State Caretaker Chairman Ade Adetimehin from a stakeholders' meeting.

Witnesses reported that the assailants stormed the premises armed with sticks, machetes, and other weapons, issuing threats and forcing party members to flee for safety.

According to a party member, "The entire area transformed into a war zone. People scattered in various directions to save their lives," attributing the unrest to escalating tensions ahead of an upcoming party congress.

The meeting aimed at discussing party matters was abruptly canceled due to the chaos, which followed the arrival of a Congress and Appeal Committee from the APC national secretariat. While some party officials and supporters sought shelter in nearby buildings, others escaped the vicinity entirely.

In a subsequent interview with reporters, Adetimehin claimed that the attack was orchestrated on the orders of the state governor. He specifically named members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), led by Ademilua Odudu, for orchestrating the disturbance.

"They arrived in force this morning and commanded everyone to leave. They asserted that the governor owns the party. We informed them we were not contesting anyone's authority, yet they assaulted us," Adetimehin stated.

Further emphasizing the violence, he recounted, "They pushed me down, beat me savagely, and stole my phone. I have reported the incident to the Commissioner of Police."

Adetimehin added that the meeting had been arranged after discussions with the Governor's Special Adviser on Political Matters, Kolawole Babatunde, following an earlier briefing from the governor.

"The national secretariat sent a Congress and Appeal Committee yesterday. We had all agreed that a stakeholders' meeting would occur today. However, this morning, the NURTW chairman and his men invaded the secretariat and disrupted everything," he explained.

As of the time of this report, no arrests had been announced by security authorities regarding the incident.

The Ondo APC responded through a statement from its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, characterizing the upheaval as an internal disagreement.

"Initial reports indicate the disturbance arose from an internal discord exacerbated by a few unruly elements whose actions do not represent the values or discipline of the party," the statement noted.

The APC also refuted claims suggesting that the violence was linked to the impending congress, deeming such statements as speculative and misleading.

The party lauded Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his swift intervention, stating he directed security forces to restore order at the secretariat.

"His prompt action helped quickly restore calm, and normal activities resumed," the party declared.

The state's Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed that police officers reacted promptly to a distress call.

"Upon receiving a distress call, we quickly mobilized, leading to the deployment of our operatives to the APC secretariat along Ilesha Garage Road. Our intervention facilitated the restoration of calm in the area," he stated.

He mentioned that one individual who sustained injuries was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, and tactical units had been assigned to secure the secretariat and surrounding areas as investigations continued.

The APC reassured its members and the public of its commitment to maintaining internal democracy and ensuring a peaceful congress process.