APC Senatorial Primary in Ondo Turns Violent as Thugs Disrupt Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in Ondo Central Senatorial District descended into chaos on Monday as armed youths fired gunshots into the air, forcing party delegates, journalists, and school pupils to scramble for safety. They didn't have time to react, and the situation quickly became chaotic.

The incident occurred at Ebenezer African Church Primary School, one of the venues for the party's candidate election for the district. The venue is also the polling unit of the incumbent senator, Adeniyi Adegbomire. According to eyewitnesses, the thugs invaded the primary school and shot into the air repeatedly, creating panic among those present. It's clear that the thugs' actions were intended to intimidate and disrupt the voting process.

A former Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, a retired military officer and legal practitioner, Olumuyiwa Adu, and Mr. Adegbomire are vying for the party's ticket. Mr. Adegbomire told journalists that the exercise was 'a complete charade' deliberately orchestrated to prevent his supporters from voting at the unit. He claimed that the troublemakers knew he was leading at the polls and sought to disrupt the process.

He didn't mince words, stating that the whole thing was a sham.

'The attackers shot at my vehicle, leaving visible marks,' he said. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of the candidates and their supporters.

Mr. Adu also dismissed the exercise as a sham, lamenting that armed youth were openly threatening delegates during the exercise. He said he restrained his supporters from retaliating to avoid violence. Mr. Adu further stated that no political ambition was worth bloodshed, warning that recurring violence during APC primaries in the state could deepen internal divisions in the party and negatively affect its future electoral fortunes if not checked.

He won't tolerate any further violence, and he's calling on the party leadership to take action.

The senatorial primaries results will be collated and announced in Abuja, as directed by the party's leadership. A formal response from the APC leadership to the allegations was still being awaited at the time of filing this report. They haven't commented on the incident yet, but it's expected that they'll release a statement soon.

The incident has raised concerns about the party's ability to conduct free and fair primaries, and the potential consequences for the party's internal dynamics. The APC can't afford to have its primaries disrupted by violence, as it won't reflect well on the party. The party's leadership must ensure that the primaries are conducted in a free and fair manner.

The Ondo Central Senatorial District has a history of electoral violence, with similar incidents reported during the House of Representatives primaries in Akure. The APC has struggled to contain its internal divisions, with factions vying for control of the party. The party's leadership has been criticized for its handling of the primaries, with some accusing it of favoring certain candidates over others. They're not doing a good job, and it's affecting the party's chances.

As the APC struggles to resolve its internal conflicts, the party's chances of winning the upcoming elections may be affected. The party's internal divisions have been exacerbated by the violent disruptions to the primaries, which have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. The APC's leadership must take urgent action to address these concerns and ensure that the party's primaries are conducted in a free and fair manner. They can't afford to wait, as the elections are approaching quickly.

The APC's internal conflicts have significant implications for the party's future electoral fortunes. As the party struggles to resolve its internal divisions, it must also contend with the challenges of conducting free and fair primaries. The party's leadership must take urgent action to address these concerns and ensure that the party's primaries are conducted in a manner that reflects the will of its members. They won't be able to move forward until they've resolved their internal conflicts.

In the meantime, the people of Ondo Central Senatorial District will be watching with keen interest as the drama unfolds. The APC's ability to conduct free and fair primaries will be a test of its commitment to democracy and its ability to govern effectively. As the party navigates its internal conflicts, it must also ensure that the interests of its members and the people of Ondo State are protected. They're counting on the party to get it right.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of security agencies in preventing electoral violence. The police and other security agencies must take proactive measures to prevent such incidents and ensure that the electoral process is protected. The APC's leadership must also work with security agencies to prevent further disruptions to the primaries and ensure that the party's internal divisions don't escalate into violence. They can't do it alone, and they need the help of the security agencies.

As the APC struggles to come to terms with its internal conflicts, the party's members and the people of Ondo State will be waiting with bated breath to see how the drama unfolds. The party's ability to conduct free and fair primaries will be a test of its commitment to democracy and its ability to govern effectively. The incident has significant implications for the party's future electoral fortunes and its ability to win the upcoming elections. It's a critical moment for the party, and they can't afford to make any mistakes.

The APC's internal divisions have been exacerbated by the violent disruptions to the primaries, which have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. The party's leadership must take urgent action to address these concerns and ensure that the party's primaries are conducted in a free and fair manner. The people of Ondo Central Senatorial District will be watching with keen interest as the drama unfolds, and the party's ability to conduct free and fair primaries will be a test of its commitment to democracy and its ability to govern effectively. They're expecting a lot from the party, and it's time for them to deliver.