Politics

Hoodlums Set Ablaze ADC Secretariat In Ekiti, Disrupt Party Excos’ Inauguration

Published

7 months ago

October 21, 2025

There was pandemonium in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Tuesday, after some suspected political thugs set ablaze the state secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the day, razed the party’s office located at Basiri Area of Ado-Ekiti and destroyed several valuables, including plastic chairs, canopies, sound system and office equipment.

It was gathered that the burnt canopies and chairs had been rented for the inauguration of the party’s executives across wards, local government areas, and the state level, scheduled to hold later in the day.

Several hours after the secretariat was razed, the hoodlums regrouped in large numbers and stormed the venue of the planned affirmation ceremony, disrupting preparations and attacking party leaders and supporters.

The attackers who stormed the venue in a commando-like style shot sporadically into the air, forcing several members of ADC, journalists, as well as passersby to scamper for safety.

In the ensuing melee, several vehicles and motorcycles belonging to journalists were severely vandalised, while canopies and chairs arranged for the programme were destroyed beyond repair.

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

Speaking with journalists shortly after the brief inauguration of party executives, the former minister condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as a shameful display of intolerance and a dangerous threat to democracy.

Aregbesola said that it was regrettable that individuals who emerged through democratic process could resort to violence and intimidation to suppress opposition voices.

“It is difficult to adequately express the disappointment, don’t forget in 2009, the incumbent administration in Ekiti then did undemocratic actions and we felt that victims of such irresponsible and anti-democratic actions would now be in office to replicate such wickedness in the state,” he said.

The former Osun State governor noted that the beauty of democracy lies in the freedom of association and participation in open political activities without fear or intimidation, saying the attack on ADC members in Ekiti signalled a descent into fascism.

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

“The security agencies must protect lives and property, and when they fail to do so, they are violating the Constitution. Interestingly, the security acts make it compulsory to do so, and failure to do so exposes all of them as being compromised,” he said.

Former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, also condemned the incident, describing it as an act of political terrorism.

He said the incident was unfortunate and represented a dangerous assault on the democratic values and freedom of political association, lamenting that such acts of violence were creeping into Ekiti politics, a state once known for peace and tolerance.

The former deputy governor criticised the security agencies for what he called a disappointing response to the attack, saying the police failed to act promptly despite early reports.

“What has happened today in Ekiti State is what we call political terrorism, and it is quite unfortunate that this is happening in our state. This is against the principle of democracy that we are all preaching.

“We have made reports to the police through the state party chairman, and let me say that we are let down by the security agencies because more than two hours after we made reports on the midnight attack on our secretariat, we observed that they were not there to protect the property and the people,” he added.

When contacted, the Ekiti State Police spokesman, SP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incident.

He said the command is aware of the incident. The Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, has directed a full-scale investigation in a bid to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to book.l

Politics

VIDEO: Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Amid 2027 Intrigues

Published

10 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

What began as a routine legislative procedure on Wednesday spiralled into a high-voltage confrontation in the Senate, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a dramatic face-off that exposed simmering political tensions tied to the 2027 power game.

The immediate trigger was procedural: Oshiomhole attempted to raise a point of order just as Akpabio moved to confirm the Votes and Proceedings of the previous sitting.

But the refusal of the Senate President to recognise him—despite repeated shouts of “point of order!”—quickly transformed the moment into a charged standoff.

Oshiomhole appeared determined to be heard, repeatedly interrupting proceedings in a manner that unsettled the chamber.

Attempts by Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno to restore calm failed, as the Edo North senator pressed on.

In a stern and calculated response, Akpabio asserted his authority, invoking the Senate Standing Orders and reading out provisions that underline his sweeping powers to control debate, interpret rules, and discipline erring lawmakers.

“The rules and laws governing the Senate Chamber… are clearly defined,” he said, before reeling off his constitutional and procedural powers.
He did not stop there.

“Let me be clear… many people may not have seen this order,” Akpabio added pointedly, in remarks that drew murmurs across the chamber.

As the exchange intensified, he issued a direct warning: any senator who becomes unruly would be asked to leave.

“This is the final warning,” he declared but beneath the surface, the clash carried deeper political undertones.

Multiple sources within the National Assembly suggest Oshiomhole’s insistence on raising a point of order may not have been merely procedural.

The former Edo State Governor is widely believed to be nursing ambitions for the Senate Presidency in 2027 and Wednesday’s confrontation is being interpreted in some quarters as an early signal of discontent with the current power structure.

At the heart of the tension is a controversial amendment to Senate rules, which critics say has effectively narrowed the 2027 Senate Presidency race to a select circle of insiders—years before the first vote is cast.
For figures like Oshiomhole, the development is said to be deeply unsettling.

Insiders claim the amendments are part of a broader political calculation to shape the leadership of the next National Assembly.

According to multiple accounts, the move is allegedly backed by powerful interests within the ruling establishment seeking to ensure that the Senate leadership remains firmly aligned with the executive arm.

Critics argue that the strategy is designed to shut out independent or unpredictable contenders, preempt internal rebellion, and ultimately shield the executive from robust legislative scrutiny.

Within this context, Wednesday’s drama is being viewed less as a spontaneous breakdown of order and more as a clash rooted in control, ambition, and the future leadership of the Senate.

To some observers, Akpabio’s firm handling of the situation was a necessary assertion of order.

To others, it signalled the use of institutional authority to silence dissent at a politically sensitive moment.

Either way, the explosive exchange has laid bare a Senate increasingly defined not just by lawmaking—but by high-stakes maneuvering ahead of 2027.

Watch the video here

Politics

JUST IN: Former APC National Youth Leader Dumps Party

Published

12 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Sadiq Abubakar, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Leader has announced his decision to dump the ruling party.

Abubakar who disclosed this in an interview with Newsmen in Bauchi on Wednesday, explained that his decision was unconnected with the hardship faced by many Nigerian homes due to difficult policies and programmes by the APC.

According to him, the move was also driven by an objective of securing free and fair victory in future election primaries so as to continue to serve the people with strength and integrity.

He stated that his decision followed a series of consultations with family, friends, political associates and stakeholders saying this was after a careful reflection on recent developments within the party structure and internal arrangements.

“It is high time to adopt a party with a more clear vision and the compassion to help the common man.

“The APC processes are not working, the party is not just and fair. I’m leaving the party because there is no fairness in the electoral processes of the party as well as the consensus.

“And I know that they are not going to be fair in the forthcoming primaries but they will only use the power of incumbency.

“Also, what the party is doing to every family is becoming something else as it’s becoming too hard to put a three square meal on the table,” he said.

The Former APC National Youth Leader however, affirmed that he would soon reveal the new political party of his destination in no distant time.

Politics

Defection: Peter Obi Simply Looking For ‘Food Is Ready’ Party – Wike

Published

18 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe on former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent defection.

Speaking during a media parley on Wednesday, Wike said Obi is looking for a ‘food is ready’ political party.

The minister said, “Obi was in APGA, he couldn’t build APGA. He went to Labour, he ran away again from Labour. All he’s looking for is food is ready political party.”

Recall that Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, on Sunday officially joined the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.