The African Democratic Congress in Ekiti State has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of fuelling politically motivated attacks on its members in a bid to silence the opposition ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
ADC State Chairman, Ilesanmi Omolayo, in a statement on Sunday, August 31, in Ado Ekiti, alleged that the APC was pushing the state towards chaos.
He condemned the violent disruption of a recent ADC meeting in Ikere Ekiti, claiming that “armed thugs reportedly invaded the gathering, unleashed mayhem on citizens, injured some persons, vandalised vehicles and motorcycles, and carted away personal belongings.”
Omolayo described the incident as “a reckless abuse of democracy and a deliberate attempt to silence opposition.
“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.”
He added, “A party that should be engaging the electorate with ideas and policies is, instead, breeding violence. This is a dangerous path that must be stopped immediately.
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“We call on security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to act swiftly before the situation degenerates.”
The ADC chairman urged residents to reject violence, saying, “Ekiti people must see clearly what is happening. APC has no ideology beyond violence and selfish ambition.
“Our state deserves a future founded on stability, vision and hope, not fear and bloodshed.” He insisted the ADC remained the “credible alternative” built on peace and inclusiveness.
However, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the allegations, describing them as “noise of attention-seeking starters who are green to Ekiti politics.”
Dipe countered, “APC is a peaceful party, peaceful association, and we are not desperate. We are on the ground, and we are formidable. ADC is unknown to Ekiti, so how can they be complaining of being intimidated?”
He further stated, “There is no sparing anybody when it comes to creating an atmosphere of crisis. Nobody will be spared. If there is anybody who has attacked them, they should look out for those people and pick them up.”