From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State has condemned in strong terms what it called “the disturbing rise in politically motivated violence within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state”.
Citing the recent attacks within the APC in the state, the ADC said the development “is a dangerous sign that the ruling party is preparing to plunge the state into chaos ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.”
The ADC, in a statement signed by its chairman in the state, Hon. Ilesanmi Omolayo, on Sunday, and made available to Daily Sun, expressed deep worry over the alleged “violent disruption of a political meeting in Ikere-Ekiti, where heavily armed thugs invaded the gathering, unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens, vandalised vehicles and motorcycles, and carted away personal belongings.
“The brutal attack left several people with serious injuries. The development was described as a reckless abuse of democracy and a deliberate attempt to intimidate the people into silence.”
The ADC also described the incident as an “alarming escalation of APC’s politics of desperation”, warning that the people of Ekiti must not sit idle while a political party turns the state into a war front.
“What happened in Ikere-Ekiti is not an isolated event. It is part of a bigger plot by the APC to intimidate, harass, and silence every opposition voice ahead of the 2026 election. A party that should be preparing to present ideas and policies to the electorate is instead arming thugs and breeding violence. This is a dangerous path that will destabilise our dear state if not stopped immediately,” the statement said.
Continuing, the ADC accused the APC of “weaponising poverty, using fear as a political tool, and showing a complete disregard for democratic values. It warned that Ekiti people should reject the culture of violence, insisting that the state deserves peace, unity, and progress instead of bloodshed.”
The ADC also called on security agencies, relevant institutions, and stakeholders to intervene before the situation spirals out of control. “We are calling on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to act now.
“APC is playing with fire, and if this trend is not checked, Ekiti may be dragged into needless bloodshed ahead of the 2026 polls.”
While restating that the party remains the only credible alternative to the ruling APC and other parties, which it said have failed the people of Ekiti, the ADC reaffirmed that its foundation is laid on an ideology of peace, inclusiveness, and development.
“Ekiti people must open their eyes and see clearly what is happening. APC thrives on intimidation and violence. APC has no ideology. APC has no plan beyond violence and selfish ambition. Our people must say ‘never again’.
“ADC offers the real alternative. We are presenting a people-oriented ideology that prioritises genuine growth and development. We will never rule by intimidation but by ideas that uplift every Ekiti person.”
The ADC stressed that it would continue to pursue a violence-free campaign as the 2026 gubernatorial election approaches, urging citizens not to allow themselves to be used as tools of violence by desperate politicians.
While also urging the people of Ekiti to stand firm against intimidation and reject any attempt to drag the state into violence, the ADC called on the citizens to embrace the party, adding, it is a new political direction founded on peace, vision, and inclusive governance.
The ADC maintained that the future of Ekiti must not be mortgaged to the politics of fear and bloodshed but be entrusted to a leadership that offers stability, progress, and hope for every household in the state.
