Sporadic gunshots on Monday disrupted the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary election for Ondo central at Ward 5, Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Amudipe Street, Akure.
The incident caused delegates, journalists and residents around the venue to flee for safety during the exercise.
The affected ward is the polling unit of the incumbent senator, Adeniyi Adegbonmire. Other aspirants in the race include Taiwo Fasoranti, said to be an ally of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and legal practitioner Olumuyiwa Adu.
Adegbonmire described the exercise as a “complete charade,” alleging that thugs stormed the venue and opened fire after his supporters were counted.
According to him, his camp was already leading with over 360 votes before armed men disrupted the process. He also claimed that his vehicle was hit by bullets during the incident.
The senator further alleged that similar acts of intimidation were recorded across parts of the district, preventing supporters of other aspirants from voting freely.
Olumuyiwa Adu also rejected the outcome of the exercise, accusing armed youths of threatening delegates and insisting that only the governor’s preferred candidate should emerge victorious.
“There was no primary election in the real sense. Genuine party members were denied their right to vote,” Adu said, adding that he restrained his supporters from reacting violently to avoid bloodshed.
However, Fasoranti dismissed the allegations and maintained that the primary election was free, fair and transparent, expressing confidence of victory once the final results are announced.
