Violence mars APC primary in Ekiti ward, results declared inconclusive.

Chaos erupted during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for Ward 10 at Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Saturday.

Electoral officials stopped the voting and declared the exercise inconclusive after violence broke out among party supporters.

The primary featured a contest between Olushola Fatoba and Tope Ogunleye, popularly known as RST. Supporters and agents of both aspirants had gathered at Fajuyi Pavilion before the vote was scheduled to begin.

Eyewitnesses reported that tensions escalated when alleged thugs supporting Fatoba entered the venue with canes and firearms. Their arrival appeared aimed at intimidating Ogunleye’s supporters and suppressing turnout.

Despite the hostile environment, Ogunleye’s backers maintained their position, chanting solidarity songs in support of their candidate. Voting eventually commenced under heavy tension.

Observers noted that Ogunleye seemed to have the larger share of support among the members present, with his base visibly outnumbering the opposition.

Violence erupted after Fatoba’s camp reportedly sensed an imminent loss. Clashes between the two groups forced an abrupt end to the voting process.

During the unrest, Ogunleye’s agent, Mr. Sunday, was assaulted. Another member, Mr. Femi Ogunleye, was reportedly beaten and had his Tecno Spark 9 phone seized. A female supporter, Mrs. Oluwaseun Osamuwa, was also attacked and her Apple Smart Wrist Watch stolen. Both Mr. Femi Ogunleye and Mrs. Osamuwa sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.

At the time of reporting, no winner had been declared and the Ward 10 primary remained inconclusive.

The violence has raised concerns over thuggery and intimidation in internal party elections. Party members and political observers say the incident questions voters’ ability to choose candidates freely without fear.

Stakeholders are urging security agencies and electoral authorities to investigate the disruption, ensure justice for those attacked, and protect the credibility of future primaries.