Tension has gripped the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress following violent incidents linked to an alleged supremacy battle between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ahead of the party’s ongoing congresses.
The crisis escalated on Wednesday when two persons were reportedly killed and several others injured during clashes at the ward congress in Idanre Local Government Area, as the party conducted elections across its 203 wards in the state.
The violence was believed to have stemmed from an earlier disruption at the APC state secretariat in Akure, where suspected hoodlums invaded a stakeholders’ meeting and attacked party leaders, deepening fears of internal divisions within the ruling party.
Among those affected was Raphael Adetimehin, younger brother of the state APC caretaker chairman, who sustained machete injuries after being mistaken for his sibling by attackers. His vehicle was also reportedly burnt during the incident.
Although the governor is traditionally regarded as the party leader in the state, political observers say the APC has recently appeared divided into two camps allegedly loyal to Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo, respectively, despite public displays of unity by both men.
Sources within the party claimed the minister had gained significant grassroots support through outreach efforts and engagement with party stakeholders, a development some members believe has heightened political tension within the state chapter.
Following the secretariat attack, allegations emerged from some quarters linking the disruption to the governor’s camp, but Aiyedatiwa denied involvement, insisting the unrest was caused by supporters of various aspirants contesting party positions.
The governor maintained that security agencies were directed to restore order and investigate the incidents, stressing that his administration would not tolerate violence or breakdown of law and order during the congress process.
Meanwhile, party elders and political analysts have called for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation, warning that continued factional rivalry could weaken the APC in Ondo State ahead of future elections.
