Chaos erupts at Akure secretariat as armed hoodlums disrupt congress talks, injure members and spark fresh concerns over internal party rifts

Tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State escalated dramatically after suspected political thugs stormed a stakeholders’ meeting and violently attacked party officials, including a local government chairman who was reportedly beaten and stripped.

The incident unfolded at the party’s secretariat in Akure, where leaders had gathered to deliberate ahead of the upcoming ward congresses. Eyewitnesses said the meeting descended into chaos when armed hoodlums invaded the venue, wielding dangerous weapons and forcing participants to flee.

In the mayhem, the party chairman was singled out, assaulted, dragged, and publicly humiliated. Several other members sustained varying degrees of injuries, with some requiring hospital treatment.

Sources within the party linked the violence to deepening internal disagreements over the conduct and control of the congress process. The development has triggered a wave of accusations among party stakeholders, with some alleging political backing for the attackers.

However, the Ondo State Government has distanced itself from the incident, dismissing claims of involvement as unfounded.

Security operatives, including the police, have since restored order at the secretariat and commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible.

The attack underscores growing fears over rising political violence and factional struggles within party ranks as crucial political activities approach in the state.