Tension erupted in parts of the Ondo Central Senatorial District on Monday after gunshots and violence disrupted the senatorial primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure.
The incident reportedly occurred at Ward 5, Okelisa, along Amudipe Street, where suspected political thugs allegedly invaded the voting venue and attacked supporters of Adeniyi Adegbomire, the incumbent senator.
Key Highlights:
- Gunfire disrupted the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary in Ondo Central.
- Suspected thugs allegedly attacked supporters of Adeniyi Adegbomire in Akure.
- Witnesses said shots were fired, causing panic among residents, traders, and journalists.
- Adegbomire described the primary election as compromised and unfair.
- He called on APC leaders to intervene and urged supporters to remain peaceful.
Witnesses said the attackers fired shots into the air and allegedly targeted the senator’s vehicle before security personnel hurried him away from the scene.
The violence forced journalists covering the exercise, traders, residents, and pupils of Ebenezer Primary School within the area to flee for safety as panic spread across the community.
Read Also:
- Dangote Cement plans London listing as UK IPO rules open door for African firms
- Larissa London denies viral claims of having a child for a married man
- Pro-Tinubu coalition in Ondo reaffirms backing for Tinubu’s 2027 bid
Reports also indicated that some of the assailants wielded machetes and disrupted the ongoing counting process at the ward.
Reacting to the incident, Sen. Adegbomire described the primary election as compromised and accused rival political forces of using intimidation to suppress support for his candidacy.
According to him, the voting process in his ward initially progressed peacefully, with party members lining up behind their preferred aspirants before the disruption occurred.
“It’s a complete charade,” the senator said while alleging that the attack happened when it became obvious that he was leading in the exercise.
He claimed that similar incidents were reported in other parts of the senatorial district, including Akure North and several wards in Akure South, where supporters were allegedly prevented from participating unless they backed a particular aspirant.
Sen. Adegbomire further alleged that political thugs were deployed to intimidate voters and obstruct the democratic process.
The senator stated that he had informed the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, about the situation through a message, although he noted that the governor had yet to respond at the time of his remarks.
“I don’t believe the governor has a hand in it, but that’s what people are saying,” he added.
Sen. Adegbomire also called on the national leadership of the APC to intervene, insisting that the process could not be regarded as a credible election if voters were being threatened and denied access to polling venues.
Despite the violence, the senator said he instructed his supporters to remain peaceful and avoid retaliation while documenting incidents occurring across the district.
