National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has strongly denounced the violent attack carried out by suspected political thugs on the party’s secretariat in Ekiti State.
The condemnation follows a midnight assault on the ADC secretariat along Basiri Road, where properties worth millions of naira were vandalized.
The incident occurred on the eve of the planned inauguration of the party’s state officials.
The attackers reportedly destroyed a 1000-capacity canopy and returned later to wreak further havoc, targeting chairs and other facilities as the inauguration was about to begin.
Eyewitnesses stated that members of the party, who had gathered for the ceremony, fled for safety after gunshots were fired sporadically.
Items destroyed during the twin attacks included chairs, tables, musical instruments, canopies, and a motorcycle.
Aregbesola expressed deep disappointment over the incident, labeling the act as a betrayal of democratic principles. “It is so unfortunate and very shameful that a product of the democratic process can exhibit such despicable acts in the name of politics,” he said.
He further lamented the deteriorating state of democratic tolerance in the country, stating, “When you see undemocratic people undermining the democratic process the way we have witnessed here, it is a terrible decline to racism.”
The former Minister of Interior emphasized that democracy thrives on the freedom to associate and participate in open political activities, including meetings, rallies, and campaigns. He called on security agencies to ensure public safety and order in the state, while also urging Nigerians to resist all forms of anti-democratic behavior.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Command, SP Abutu, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation into the incident, with the aim of apprehending those responsible.
Despite the attack, the ADC went ahead with its planned inauguration. Dr. Bamidele Ajayi led the affirmation of the newly elected state executives, while the Ekiti State Chairman of the party, Mr. Ilesanmi Omolayo, officially inaugurated other party leaders during the event.
Addressing the gathering, Omolayo encouraged party members to remain resilient. He urged them not to be disheartened by the violence but to continue supporting the party in its efforts to win future elections in the state.
Prominent figures at the event included former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Olu Sola Eleka, and a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Gboyega Aribisogun.
