Security agencies in Ondo state at the weekend reportedly averted a free for all at the venue of a state congress of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Akure, the state capital.
It was learnt that tension had risen among members of the party in an attempt to resist holding a state Congress of the party following a court injunction of the Federal High Court in Akure restraining officials of the party against such.
As early as 9 am on Saturday, some officials of the party had reportedly arrived at the NUJ Press Centre, claiming that they were from the national secretariat of the party for the exercise.
However, some members of the party in the state jointly led by the State Secretary, Mr Sola Agboola and Publicity Secretary, Mr Remi Olayiwola, armed with the court papers, kicked against the exercise branding the court injunction.
According to sources, “However, someone who introduced himself as Aiyenigba who claimed to represent the national headquarters of the party started calling out names of delegates.
“Tempers however rose when members of the party in the state kicked against those identifying themselves, claiming they were political merchants and not members of the party.
“Similarly, injunction papers restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising such Congress were presented.
“Shouts on No. No rented the air as Aiyenigba attempted to embark on the exercise.
“Apparently observing that the hall was becoming rancourous, two men who claimed to be representing INEC hurriedly bolted out just as members of the party shouted unprintable names against those perceived as not members of the SDP who were allegedly hired to the venue.”
Reacting to the incident, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Remi Olayiwola, described the incident as “the handiwork of those who are bent on using the name of the rising profile of the party to dupe unsuspecting aspirants as the 2023 Presidential election draws near.”
