By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti
The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has condemned the attack on the party’s secretariat in Ekiti State on Tuesday midnight by political thugs suspected to be loyal to a rival political party in the state.
The attack which came ahead of the inauguration of the party’s state executives led to the vandalism of the party’s properties.
The hoodlums, who stormed the venue in large numbers, destroyed several items including chairs, tables, canopies, musical instruments, and a motorcycle, among others.
Aregbesola, condemned what he described as an undemocratic and despicable act carried out by political thugs in the state.
Aregbesola, who expressed disappointment over the attack, said it was unfortunate and shameful that individuals who are products of democratic processes could descend to such disgraceful behaviour in the name of politics.
He explained that the thugs first invaded and burnt the ADC Secretariat along Basiri Road, destroying a 1,000-capacity canopy and another 150-capacity canopy at midnight.
They reportedly returned the second time, unleashing further destruction on the venue as the party was preparing for the inauguration ceremony.
Gunshots were fired as chairs, sound systems, and other equipment were smashed, forcing party members to flee for safety.
Aregbesola lamented that the attack represents a dangerous threat to democracy and called on security agencies to protect lives and maintain order in the state.
“What we witnessed in Ekiti yesterday is a terrible assault on democracy. When undemocratic people undermine democratic processes in this manner, it signals a tragic decline in our political values,” he said.
The former Minister of Interior emphasised that the essence of democracy lies in the freedom of association and participation in political activities such as open meetings, rallies, and campaigns without fear of intimidation or violence.
In his reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ekiti State Command, SP Sunday Abutu, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, with a directive to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Despite the attack, the ADC went ahead with the affirmation of its newly inaugurated state executives, led by Dr. Bamidele Ajayi. The state chairman, Mr. Ilesanmi Omolayo, also inaugurated other officers during the event.
Omolayo urged members to remain resolute, describing the ADC as the “party of the moment” in Ekiti. He encouraged them not to be discouraged by the unfortunate incident but to remain united and focused on ensuring the party’s victory in future elections.
Prominent party chieftains at the event included former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, and Hon. Gboyega Aribisogun.