Chaos erupted on Monday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Ondo Central, as suspected thugs stormed the venue and fired gunshots, forcing voters, journalists, and residents to flee for safety.
The incident occurred at Ward 5, Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Amudipe Street in Akure, where voting was underway for the party’s ticket.
Eyewitnesses say armed youths invaded the area and began shooting into the air, triggering panic and forcing an abrupt suspension of activities. Teachers and parents within nearby African Church Primary School and St. Peters African Church Primary School reportedly rushed to evacuate pupils as fear spread through the area.
Journalists and party supporters were seen scaling fences and running for cover as the situation deteriorated.
The primary, which is also taking place in the polling unit of incumbent senator, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, involves other aspirants including former Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, and retired military officer and lawyer, Olumuyiwa Adu.
Senator Adegbonmire condemned the exercise, describing it as “a complete charade,” alleging that the violence was deliberately staged to disrupt voting after he began leading at his polling unit. He also claimed that his vehicle was shot at, leaving visible bullet marks.
He further alleged that similar incidents occurred in other parts of the senatorial district, accusing some groups of intimidation and voter suppression during the process.
Adegbonmire has called on the national leadership of the APC to urgently intervene, warning that repeated violence during party primaries could undermine internal democracy.
Aspirant Olumuyiwa Adu also condemned the exercise, describing it as a sham and alleging that armed youths threatened delegates. He, however, said he restrained his supporters from retaliation to prevent further escalation.
Adu warned that continued violence during APC primaries in Ondo State could deepen internal divisions and damage the party’s credibility ahead of future elections.
Party officials are yet to issue an official statement as tensions remain high following the disrupted exercise.
