JUST IN: Hoodlums set fire on ADC Party Secretariat, Aregbesola condemns attack

JUST IN: Hoodlums Set Fire On ADC Party Secretariat, Aregbesola condemns attack

The Ekiti State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was razed in the early hours of Tuesday, days ahead of the inauguration of the party’s state executive council.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire destroyed parts of the Secretariat building, a 1,000-capacity canopy with chairs, and an additional 150-capacity canopy, along with office equipment and a sound system.

The canopies and chairs had been rented for the inauguration of ADC executives across wards, local government areas, and the state level, scheduled for later in the day.

Party loyalists condemned the attack and called on security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Members are currently gathering at the party secretariat on Basiri Road in Ado Ekiti, awaiting the arrival of national officers to inaugurate the newly affirmed state executives.

Several ADC members warned political thugs against acts that could escalate tension in Ekiti, questioning why such violence occurred even before the commencement of campaigns.

Hours after the Secretariat was set ablaze, the attackers regrouped and stormed the venue of the planned affirmation ceremony, disrupting preparations. Reports indicate that hoodlums entered in a commando-like fashion, firing sporadically into the air, forcing ADC members, journalists, and passers-by to flee for safety.

Several vehicles and a motorcycle belonging to journalists were vandalised, while canopies and chairs arranged for the programme were destroyed beyond repair.

Fifteen minutes after the attackers fled, ADC National Secretary, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, arrived at the venue under tight security and proceeded with the brief inauguration of the newly affirmed executives.

Speaking to journalists afterward, Aregbesola condemned the attack as a “shameful display of intolerance and a dangerous threat to democracy.” He lamented that individuals who emerged through democratic processes could resort to violence and intimidation to suppress opposition voices.

“The beauty of democracy lies in the freedom of association and participation in open political activities without fear or intimidation,” Aregbesola said, adding that the assault on ADC members in Ekiti signaled a descent into fascism.

He also criticised security agencies for failing to protect the ADC secretariat and its members, accusing them of dereliction of duty.