By John Dike, Osogbo
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State, Prince Abiodun Adetimehin, has condemned the violent attack on the party’s state secretariat and members by suspected political thugs during the inauguration of the new State Executive Committee in Ado Ekiti.
Prince Adetimehin, who was the ADC candidate for Ekiti South Federal Constituency I in the 2019 general elections, described the incident as barbaric, undemocratic, and a threat to the peace and stability of Ekiti State’s political landscape.
In a statement made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, the ADC stalwart called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack, arrest the perpetrators, and ensure their public prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to undermine the democratic process.
He decried the attack on innocent party faithful who had gathered peacefully to celebrate their new leaders, describing it as a direct assault on democracy and freedom of association.
“It is disheartening that in a democracy, people can no longer gather peacefully for legitimate political activities without fear of violence. Those behind this must be brought to justice,” Adetimehin said.
Expressing concern that the incident could be a disturbing signal ahead of the 2026 governorship election, he urged security agencies to be more vigilant and proactive in preventing politically motivated violence.
Prince Adetimehin appealed to ADC members across the state to remain calm and not take laws into their own hands, emphasizing that no political ambition is worth the disruption of peace or loss of lives.
“Our party members must not retaliate or engage in any act that could worsen the situation. We must allow the authorities to act,” he cautioned.
The ADC chieftain also called on traditional rulers in Ekiti State to intervene by advising politicians to conduct their affairs with decorum and respect for the rule of law, stressing that peace remains the foundation for sustainable democracy.
