TENSION gripped Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Tuesday after suspected hoodlums attacked and set ablaze the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), just hours before the scheduled inauguration of the party’s newly elected state executive council.
News Point Nigeria reports that the incident, which occurred along Basiri Road, left the party members and residents in shock, as parts of the building and valuable party property were destroyed in the fire.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the ADC secretariat in the early hours of the day and torched the building and several canopies arranged for the ceremony, including a 1,000-capacity marquee, a 150-capacity tent, and dozens of chairs meant for guests and delegates.
The destruction reportedly took place ahead of the arrival of national officers of the party, who were expected to officially inaugurate the new state executives at the venue.
A visibly distraught party official, who pleaded anonymity, described the incident as a “cowardly attempt to destabilise” the ADC and frustrate its growing influence in Ekiti politics.
“This is nothing but political intimidation,” the source said. “We are a peaceful party, and our activities have always been lawful. Burning down our secretariat will not stop us from going ahead with our plans.”
Party loyalists, who gathered at the burnt secretariat to assess the damage, condemned the attack and called on security agencies to launch an immediate investigation to identify and arrest those behind the arson.
“We demand that the perpetrators of this shameful act be brought to book,” one of the members said. “This is an attack not only on our party but on democracy itself.”
The incident, according to residents, has heightened political tension in the state, with fears that similar acts could occur as political activities gradually pick up ahead of the next election cycle.
ADC members at the scene urged calm and restraint, advising supporters not to engage in reprisals or violent protests. They further appealed to the Ekiti State Police Command and other relevant security agencies to guarantee the safety of opposition parties and their properties.
“Even though campaign season has not started, it is sad that some people still resort to thuggery and destruction,” another member lamented. “We want peace in Ekiti, not this kind of provocation.”
Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, party members were still gathered at the site, awaiting the arrival of national officials expected to proceed with the scheduled inauguration in spite of the setback.
