ADC inauguration turns violent as hoodlums burn secretariat, fire shots in Ekiti

There was confusion in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, on Tuesday after some suspected hoodlums set fire to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) office.

The attack happened early in the morning at the party’s secretariat in the Basiri area of the city. The fire destroyed chairs, canopies, sound systems, and other office items that were arranged for the inauguration of new party executives at the ward, local government, and state levels.

A few hours after burning the office, the attackers returned to the venue of the planned event.

They shot into the air to scare people and disrupted preparations. Many party members, journalists, and passersby ran for safety.

Several vehicles and motorcycles belonging to journalists were damaged, while the canopies and chairs were also destroyed.

About 15 minutes after the attackers left, ADC National Secretary and former Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, arrived at the venue under tight security and went ahead with the inauguration ceremony.

Speaking to journalists, Aregbesola condemned the attack, calling it a shameful act and a danger to democracy.

He said it was sad that people who once suffered from political violence were now using the same tactics to silence others.

“It is disappointing that those who fought against oppression are now the ones promoting it,” he said.

Aregbesola added that democracy allows freedom of association and peaceful political activities, warning that such violent acts show a move toward dictatorship.

He also blamed security agencies for failing to protect lives and property.

“When security agencies fail to do their duty, they are breaking the law,” he said.
Former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, also condemned the attack, calling it “political terrorism.” He said it was unfortunate that Ekiti, once known for peace, was now witnessing violent politics.

Olusola-Eleka criticized the police for their slow response, saying that the attack had been reported two hours earlier, yet no officer showed up.

“What happened today is political terrorism. It goes against democracy. We called the police after the midnight attack, but they didn’t come to protect us,” he said.

Police spokesperson in Ekiti State, SP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incident. He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, had ordered a full investigation to find and prosecute those responsible.