Violence has erupted at the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary for Ward 10, Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Saturday, disrupting the election process.
According to reports, chaos broke out among party supporters, prompting electoral officials to halt the process and proclaim it inconclusive.
Olushola Fatoba and Tope Ogunleye, popularly known as RST, faced off in the primary. Supporters and representatives of both candidates had gathered at Fajuyi Pavilion. Before voting was scheduled to begin.
Witnesses said that when suspected thugs purportedly supporting Fatoba invaded the premises, brandishing guns and canes, tensions increased. Their arrival seems to be intended to scare off Ogunleye’s supporters and reduce attendance.
However, Ogunleye’s supporters resisted the harsh environment by chanting songs of solidarity in favour of their candidate. Eventually, voting began under intense pressure.
Observers at the scene stated Ogunleye seemed to have the higher percentage of support among those present, with his base plainly outnumbering the opposition.
Violence broke out as Fatoba’s camp allegedly sensed an inevitable loss. Clashes between both sides put a quick end to voting.
During the unrest, Ogunleye’s agent, Mr. Sunday, was assaulted. Another member, Mr. Femi Ogunleye, was reportedly abused and his Tecno Spark 9 phone taken. A female supporter, Mrs. Oluwaseun Osamuwa, was also attacked and her Apple Smart Wristwatch taken. Both Mr. Femi Ogunleye and Mrs. Osamuwa sustained injuries and were brought to hospital.
As of right now, the Ward 10 primary has not produced a clear winner.
Concerns about intimidation and thuggery during internal party elections have been rekindled by the violence. The episode, according to party members and political analysts, calls into doubt voters’ freedom to select candidates without fear.
Security agencies and electoral authorities are being urged by stakeholders to look into the interruption, provide justice to those who were harmed, and protect the legitimacy of upcoming primaries.
