Crisis erupted in Idanre, Ondo State, on Wednesday as violence disrupted the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress, resulting in the burning of a vehicle and injuries to some participants.
A video circulating online and obtained by Legal Observer captured a Toyota car on fire, while residents reportedly fled the area as tension escalated during the exercise.
Witnesses said the disturbance caused panic within the community, with several party members allegedly sustaining injuries, although officials had yet to confirm the number of affected persons.
The development followed allegations by the Ondo State APC Chairman, Engr Ade Adetimehin, who had earlier accused members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers of attacking party stakeholders ahead of the congress.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday after an incident at the party secretariat located along Ilesha Garage Road, Adetimehin alleged that supporters of the NURTW, led by its chairman, Ambassador Ademola Odudu, invaded the venue and assaulted party officials during a scheduled stakeholders’ meeting.
He claimed the group disrupted proceedings, harassed attendees and created panic within the secretariat.
According to the party chairman, the attackers alleged that some party leaders were challenging the authority of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, an accusation he denied.
“The national leadership of our party directed that a stakeholders’ meeting be held, and we assembled as instructed alongside members of the congress and appeal committees,” Adetimehin said.
He added that the situation turned violent when the group allegedly forced its way into the secretariat, attacked those present and damaged his personal belongings despite prior notification to the police about the meeting.
