Tension In Ekiti: ADC, APC Lock Horns Over Pre-2026 Election Violence Allegations

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of masterminding politically motivated attacks on opposition members in an alleged plot to stifle dissent ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti, ADC State Chairman, Ilesanmi Omolayo, condemned the violent disruption of a party meeting in Ikere-Ekiti. He alleged that armed thugs invaded the venue, assaulted attendees, left several people injured, vandalized vehicles and motorcycles, and carted away personal belongings.

Omolayo described the attack as “a reckless assault on democracy and a calculated attempt to silence opposition voices.”

According to him, the Ikere incident was part of a broader APC strategy of intimidation ahead of the polls.

“Rather than engage the electorate with policies and ideas, the APC has chosen the path of violence. This is a dangerous trend that must be halted immediately. We urge security agencies, INEC, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to act now before things spiral out of control,” he said.

The ADC chairman further appealed to Ekiti residents to reject what he termed APC’s “culture of violence,” stressing that the state deserved “a future built on stability, vision, and hope—not fear and bloodshed.” He maintained that the ADC remained a credible alternative rooted in peace, inclusiveness, and development.

APC Responds

In a swift reaction, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the allegations as baseless, describing the ADC as “attention-seeking starters who lack understanding of Ekiti politics.”

Dipe argued that the ruling party had no reason to intimidate the ADC, which he described as “practically unknown” in Ekiti.

“APC is a peaceful party, we are not desperate. We are on the ground, we are formidable. ADC is insignificant in Ekiti, so why would we be accused of intimidating them?” he asked.

The APC spokesman further stressed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration had maintained peace and security, noting that Ekiti was rated among the most secure states in Nigeria.

He warned against attempts to “import insecurity” or “fabricate crises” in the state, insisting that lawbreakers would not be spared.

Dipe also advised opposition parties to follow due process by informing the police before holding gatherings to ensure adequate security, rather than “crying wolf where there is none.”