Ex-Ekiti Deputy fingers “political terrorism” in growing intolerance against opposition parties
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Former Ekiti Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka has flagged “political terrorism” in the torching of the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ado-Ekiti by hoodlums.
Both he and ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola condemned the arson as a threat to democracy and political tolerance.
Residents and ADC members woke up on Tuesday to find the secretariat razed, with office equipment, plastic chairs, canopies, and sound systems destroyed.
The hoodlums later regrouped and invaded the venue of the party’s planned affirmation ceremony, where they attacked members, vandalised vehicles and motorcycles, and scattered arrangements for the event.
It replays the scene earlier the year when social miscreants hauled stones at ADC members at the launch of the party in Abeokuta, an attack political commentators alleged was sponsored by President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC).
Aregbesola – former Osun Governor and former Interior Minister – arrived at the venue in Ado-Ekiti shortly after the attackers fled and described the incident as a shameful display of intolerance and a dangerous signal for democracy.
“It is regrettable that individuals who emerged through democratic processes can resort to violence and intimidation to suppress opposition voices. The attack on ADC members in Ekiti signals a descent into fascism,” he said.
He blamed the security agencies for failing to protect ADC members and property, a negligence he said violates the Constitution.
Olusola-Eleka described the incident as “political terrorism,” lamenting that the police failed to act swiftly despite early reports of the midnight attack.
“We are let down by the security agencies because more than two hours after we reported the incident, no officer came to secure the premises,” he said.
Ekiti ADC Chairman Ilesanmi Omolayo disclosed that several party members were injured during the attack and are now receiving treatment in hospitals.
He said the assault is an attempt to intimidate the party over its growing popularity.
Dare Bejide, former High Commissioner to Canada now ADC Ekiti governorship aspirant, condemned the attack as barbaric, saying the perpetrators are enemies of democracy.
Ekiti Police Command spokesperson Sunday Abutu confirmed the attack and disclosed that Commissioner of Police Joseph Eribo has ordered investigation to arrest and prosecute the culprits.
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