Violence disrupted the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Ondo State on Monday after suspected political thugs reportedly opened fire at one of the voting centres in Akure, forcing party members and residents to flee for safety.
The incident happened at Ward 5, Okelisa area of Akure South Local Government Area, where supporters of Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire had gathered for the primary election.
According to reports, armed men stormed the venue while the counting process was ongoing and allegedly fired several gunshots into the air.
Witnesses claimed the attackers also targeted the senator’s vehicle during the chaos. Security operatives quickly moved him away from the scene as panic spread across the area.
The gunfire reportedly caused journalists, traders and residents nearby to scamper for safety. Some schools around the area were also affected as parents rushed to withdraw their children following the sudden violence.
Adegbonmire, who is seeking re-election to represent Ondo Central in the Senate, later described the exercise as a “charade,” alleging that the attack happened when it became obvious that he was leading in the voting process.
He also accused some individuals of using intimidation and violence to prevent his supporters from participating freely in the primary election.
The APC primary in Ondo Central was contested by Adegbonmire, former Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, and another aspirant, Olumuyiwa Adu.
