Ondo LG Election Turned Violent In Akoko North-West – Residents Speak Out

Reports indicate unrest in the Ajowa community, allegedly sparked by an attempt to coerce voters, primarily affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), into supporting an opposition candidate.

According to Daily Post, a source named Sesan claimed that a minister from the state was orchestrating this anti-party move. He accused the minister of using his position to recruit security personnel who reportedly interfered with the electoral process.

Sesan highlighted that the chaos began specifically in Ward 5 when an APC leader, acting under the minister’s directive, instructed voters to avoid supporting the councillorship candidate, Toye, and instead back an opposition contender.

During the unrest, residents, including youths and women, blocked access to the town with barricades and set bonfires.

While many sustained injuries, security forces responded by using teargas against the residents protesting the situation, but the community remained firm in their determination to safeguard their electoral rights.

“Akoko North-West is for everyone, and we must resist any effort to turn it into a battleground for personal vendettas and political dominance. The misuse of state machinery to disrupt elections and intimidate party members is an unacceptable abuse of power that must be addressed,” another source said.

Furthermore, Gani Muhammed Ajowa, former special adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on special duties, remarked: “The minister has been accused of working against the party that elevated him. He provided funds and deployed operatives from a ministry he once led.”