Tension erupted in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Tuesday when armed thugs invaded the African Democratic Congress (ADC) State Secretariat, vandalizing property and halting the inauguration of the party’s new state executives.
Witnesses said the hoodlums, who stormed the secretariat in large numbers, destroyed chairs, tables, canopies, musical instruments, and even a motorcycle, leaving the scene in disarray. The attack occurred just moments before the event was set to begin.
According to reports, the assailants had earlier set parts of the secretariat and canopies on fire during the night, only to return in broad daylight to continue their destruction as members gathered for the inauguration.
Eyewitnesses recounted how gunshots filled the air as party members and guests fled for safety. Properties worth millions of naira were reportedly damaged in the chaos.
Condemning the attack, ADC National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, described the incident as a shameful assault on democracy. The former Osun State governor expressed dismay that individuals who benefitted from democracy could act in such an undemocratic manner.
“It is unfortunate and shameful that products of a democratic process can engage in such despicable acts in the name of politics,” Aregbesola said. “When you see undemocratic people undermining democracy in this way, it’s a terrible decline in civic values.”
He stressed that democracy thrives on freedom of association and participation, urging all political actors to respect the rights of others to organize peacefully.
A visibly disappointed Aregbesola called on security agencies to act swiftly, protect lives and property, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“When people begin to intimidate or attack others for exercising their democratic rights, we lose the essence of democracy itself,” he added.
Confirming the incident, the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation. He assured that those found culpable would be prosecuted.
The attack disrupted what was meant to be a peaceful event marking the official inauguration of the ADC’s state executives, part of the party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The assault underscores growing political tension in Ekiti State, as parties jostle for relevance and power in the build-up to future elections.