Delegates and journalists scampered for safety after the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for Ondo Central held in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, was disrupted by gunshots on Monday.
The sporadic gunshots caused panic at Ward 5, Ebenezer African Church Primary School on Amudipe Street, Akure.
The ward serves as the polling unit of the incumbent senator, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, who is seeking another term in office.
Other aspirants contesting the ticket include Taiwo Fasoranti, said to be an ally of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Olumuyiwa Adu.
Reacting to the disruption, Adegbonmire described the exercise as a “complete charade,” saying armed thugs invaded the venue when it became clear his supporters were leading in the vote count.
“My supporters were counted first and they were over 360. When they moved to count the next line and it became obvious what was happening, thugs invaded the venue, shot into the air and even fired at my car,” he said.
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The senator further stated that his vehicle was hit by bullets and alleged that intimidation of voters occurred in other parts of the district, preventing supporters of rival aspirants from participating in the exercise.
Adu also rejected the outcome of the primary, alleging that armed youths threatened delegates and insisted that only the governor’s preferred candidate should emerge victorious.
However, Fasoranti dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the primary election was conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
He expressed confidence of emerging victorious once the final results are officially announced.
