The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating politically motivated attacks on opposition members in a bid to silence dissent ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

ADC State Chairman, Ilesanmi Omolayo, in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, condemned the violent disruption of a party meeting in Ikere-Ekiti, alleging that armed thugs stormed the venue, unleashed mayhem on citizens, injured several people, vandalised vehicles and motorcycles, and carted away personal belongings.

He described the incident as a reckless abuse of democracy and a deliberate attempt to silence opposition.

According to him, “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.

“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. We call on security agencies, INEC, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to act swiftly before the situation degenerates.”

Naijaonpoint reports that Omolayo urged Ekiti residents to reject what he called APC’s ‘culture of violence,’ saying the state deserved “a future founded on stability, vision, and hope, not fear and bloodshed.”

He added that the ADC remained a credible alternative anchored on peace, inclusiveness, and development.

APC Dismisses Allegations

However, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed ADC’s claims, describing them as the “noise of attention-seeking starters who are green to Ekiti politics.”

Dipe argued that the ruling party had no reason to intimidate the ADC, which he described as unknown to Ekiti.

“APC is a peaceful party, a 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 queried.

The APC spokesman maintained that Governor Biodun Oyebanji had done well in the area of security, to the point where Ekiti was rated one of the most secure states in Nigeria.

“So anybody coming in, out of desperation, to import insecurity into Ekiti or create an atmosphere of artificial crisis in Ekiti should discourage himself or herself from doing so,” Dipe warned.

He added, “Nobody will be spared when it comes to creating an atmosphere of crisis or creating war where there is peace. If there is anybody who has attacked them, they should look out for those people and pick them up.

“More so, since they don’t know how political parties operate, if you want to have any gathering or grouping, inform the police so that they can provide security for you. By so doing, there won’t be a need for you to be shouting that you are being threatened or attacked.”