Political Thugs Storm Ondo APC Secretariat, Assault Chairman and Officials
In a shocking display of political violence, hoodlums invaded the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, assaulting the party chairman and multiple officials. The attack occurred during a stakeholders' meeting, forcing attendees to flee in panic and abruptly halting the gathering.
Violent Disruption of Party Meeting
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, armed with sticks, machetes, and other crude weapons, stormed the premises suddenly. They shouted threats and ordered everyone to leave, creating immediate chaos. Party members scattered in different directions, abandoning the meeting venue within minutes. Some took cover in nearby buildings, while others fled the area entirely.
Residents near the secretariat described scenes of confusion as attendees rushed out of the premises. Vehicles reportedly sped off as people attempted to escape before the situation escalated further. The stakeholders' meeting was intended to prepare for the party's Ward Congress scheduled to begin the following day.
Victims of the Assault
The chairman of the APC in Ondo State, Engr Ade Adetimehin, was severely beaten during the incident. He recounted being thrown to the ground, assaulted, and robbed of his two phones and wristwatch. Other injured officials included:
- Hon Otito Atikase, the state's representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
- Hon Success Torhukerhojo, a former lawmaker
- Hon Abayomi Akinruntan, former Deputy Speaker
- Friday Ogbaide, the chairman's driver
- Hon Dayo Akinsuroju, former chairman of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo local government
- Hon Saka-Yusuf Ogunleye, former Commissioner
Adetimehin stated that many party members required hospital treatment following the attack. He identified the assailants as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Political Motivations Behind the Attack
According to witnesses, the thugs explicitly stated their opposition to the upcoming party congresses. One attendee, Adeyanju, reported hearing the attackers shout, "We are from Aiyedatiwa" and claim that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had sent them. They declared, "We don't want Congress in Ondo State. The governor is in charge... And anybody who wants to talk about Congress in Ondo State will be assassinated."
Asiwaju Muyiwa Asagunla, a party chieftain who escaped the attack, described approximately 200 hoodlums led by NURTW leadership invading the secretariat. He expressed concern about this dangerous development in Ondo State politics, stating, "I have never seen this in the politics of Ondo State. And it is a dangerous dimension... It is not part of our culture."
Asagunla detailed how the attackers banged chairs and hit people with them, creating a dangerous situation for elderly attendees. He specifically mentioned having to pull Chief Bode Sumonu back from being trampled and noted that Chief Demola Ijabiyi lost his cap during the chaos.
Aftermath and Reactions
In footage from the incident, the APC chairman could be heard shouting, "They beat me mercilessly today." The attack has raised serious concerns about political violence and intimidation in the state. As of the time of reporting, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's team had not responded to the development.
The disruption of the stakeholders' meeting represents a significant setback for party preparations ahead of the Ward Congress. The violent opposition to democratic processes within the party has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among APC members in Ondo State.
