— Police commissioner warns against political violence

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Residents of Ondo State have expressed concern over the influx of suspected political thugs into several communities ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections.

The APC has scheduled its House of Representatives primary for Friday, May 15, with the Senate and State House of Assembly primaries set for May 18 and May 20 respectively.

Tensions have risen following reports of a rift between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and some National Assembly members over plans to deny them return tickets.

Party sources said the crisis deepened after the national leadership rejected Aiyedatiwa’s consensus list and insisted on direct primaries, a mode the governor was said to oppose.

Residents in Owo, Akure, Idanre, Irele, Okitipupa, and Akoko South West local government areas said they had noticed unfamiliar faces in their communities and feared a repeat of the violence recorded during the party’s recent congresses.

During the congresses, suspected thugs allegedly attacked the APC state secretariat in Akure, leaving some leaders beaten unconscious. Immediate past state chairman Ade Adetimehin was also reportedly assaulted.

In Idanre, two party members were shot dead, while the younger brother of former state chairman Raphael Adetimehin sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.

Also, in Owo, party chieftain Isiaka Elegberubon was reportedly attacked with a machete.

“We are afraid and calling on security agencies to be proactive,” a resident of Irele said.

“What we are hearing is frightening. We hope politicians will not turn our state into a war zone because of party tickets.”

Another resident in Owo alleged that some councillors had been threatening party members who do not support the governor’s preferred candidates since returning from a meeting with Aiyedatiwa in Akure on Monday.

“We all witnessed the violence during the congresses. We do not want a repeat, which is why we are appealing to security agencies to protect lives and property,” the source said.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police commissioner Adebowale Lawal has warned against political violence, thuggery, voter intimidation, cult-related disturbances, or any act that could undermine public peace.

Lawal urged political stakeholders, supporters, youth groups, and residents to act peacefully and provide timely information to aid security operations. He assured that surveillance teams, patrol units, and tactical operatives have been deployed to vulnerable areas.

He warned that troublemakers would be arrested and prosecuted, and reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and the rule of law.