Nigeria’s democratic process came under attack on Wednesday as suspected political thugs, allegedly loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stormed a peaceful African Democratic Congress (ADC) ward meeting in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, leaving three people hospitalised and several others injured.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at Ward 8, Akure South, where ADC members had gathered to discuss grassroots mobilisation strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections and to induct new members into the party.
Eyewitnesses reported that the meeting was disrupted when armed young men arrived on motorcycles, wielding sticks, bottles, and machetes. They allegedly chanted APC slogans while attacking participants, forcing people to flee in panic.
Three party members — two men and a woman — sustained serious head injuries and multiple lacerations and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Reacting to the incident, Asiwaju Wole Ademoyegun, ADC Chairman in Ondo State, condemned the attack, describing it as “political terrorism” and a deliberate attempt to intimidate opposition members. He said the matter had been reported to the B Police Division at Oke-Aro and escalated to the Area Command, calling on security agencies to ensure arrests are made.
“We expect the police to investigate thoroughly, arrest those responsible, and bring them to justice. If this is not done, it will embolden those who believe they can use violence to silence others,” Ademoyegun stated.
As of Wednesday evening, no arrests had been made, sparking outrage among ADC members and civil society groups. Political analysts have warned that unchecked violence could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.
ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused APC of orchestrating a nationwide campaign to destabilise opposition parties, citing similar attacks in Edo, Kogi, Niger, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Lagos States.
At the hospital, one of the injured, Mr. Tope Adebajo, recounted from his hospital bed:
“I was hit with a bottle. I fell, and they started kicking me. I kept asking them why they were doing this, but they didn’t answer — they just kept beating.”
Another victim, Mrs. Kehinde Oladipo, a 46-year-old market woman who had come to register with ADC, said she narrowly escaped death:
“This is the first time I am trying to join a political party. Now I am scared for my life. Is this how politics is done in Nigeria?”
Civil society groups have demanded:
- Independent investigation by the National Human Rights Commission.
- Strengthening security at opposition gatherings.
- Swift prosecution of perpetrators.
- Voter education campaigns against political violence.
While APC officials in Ondo State have denied involvement, opposition leaders insist such attacks threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
Analysts warn that if unchecked, political thuggery may determine outcomes in 2027 not by votes but through intimidation and violence.
