Congresses of the All Progressives Congress to elect ward, local government and state officials are being overshadowed by rising tensions in Ondo state, where a perceived power struggle has sparked violence and deepened divisions within the party.
The exercise, scheduled for February and March in line with directives from the party’s national secretariat, has come under threat following clashes linked to rival camps loyal to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
At least two people were killed and five others injured Wednesday during violent clashes at a ward congress in Odode-Idanre, headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area, as the party conducted congresses across its 203 wards.
The violence followed a disruption Tuesday at the party secretariat in Akure, where suspected thugs stormed a stakeholders’ meeting and assaulted party leaders.
Among those injured was Raphael Adetimehin, younger brother of state APC caretaker chairman Ade Adetimehin, who sustained machete wounds after being mistaken for his brother, witnesses said. His vehicle was also set ablaze. He was taken to a general hospital in Idanre and remains in a coma.
Although neither Aiyedatiwa nor Tunji-Ojo has publicly acknowledged a rift, party sources say the state chapter has split into two factions aligned with both men.
Both politicians recently appeared together at events marking the 50th anniversary of Ondo State, displaying cordial relations in public. However, behind the scenes, tensions have reportedly intensified, with Tunji-Ojo said to be expanding his influence among party stakeholders.
The crisis escalated Tuesday when thugs invaded the party secretariat, attacking several leaders, including Adetimehin and other officials.
Some party members alleged the attack was linked to the governor’s camp, though no official confirmation has been provided. Aiyedatiwa has denied any involvement, attributing the violence to rival aspirants and their supporters.
The governor said the disrupted gathering was not an officially recognized stakeholders’ meeting and added that he had directed security agencies to restore order.
Supporters of Tunji-Ojo, however, accused the governor of failing to manage party affairs, alleging the minister had filled a leadership vacuum by supporting members and strengthening party structures.
Officials close to Aiyedatiwa rejected claims of a rift, insisting he remains the party leader in the state and has promoted unity.
State Commissioner for Information Idowu Ajanaku also denied any crisis, saying the governor continues to provide effective leadership.
Party elders, who previously said they were unaware of tensions, have now indicated they may intervene following the violence.
Erastus Akeju, chairman of the elders’ forum, said the dispute had not been formally brought before them but acknowledged that recent developments may require their involvement.
A political analyst, Lanre Alewa, described the situation as harmful to the party ahead of upcoming elections, urging both leaders to restrain their supporters and calling for intervention by the party’s national leadership.
