Tension swept through Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Tuesday as suspected political thugs attacked the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat, destroying property ahead of the inauguration of the party’s new state executives.

The hoodlums, believed to have acted on the instructions of a rival political party, vandalised the Basiri Road secretariat, razing a newly renovated building and burning canopies, chairs, tables, musical instruments, and a motorbike.

Reacting to the incident, ADC National Secretary and former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, condemned the attack as a “despicable and undemocratic act that undermines the core values of democracy.”

“It is regrettable that individuals claiming to be products of a democratic process could engage in such acts of violence. What happened in Ekiti is a shameful departure from democratic norms,” Aregbesola said. He called on security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property, warning that democracy must not be held hostage by violent actors.

Confirming the incident, Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police had ordered a full-scale investigation to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.

Despite the attack, the ADC proceeded with the inauguration of its state executives, conducted by Dr. Bamidele Ajayi. The State Chairman, Mr. Ilesanmi Omolayo, urged party members to remain steadfast and united, encouraging them not to be discouraged but to continue working towards electoral victories.

Prominent party members in attendance included former Deputy Governor Prof. Olusola Eleka and Hon. Gboyega Aribisogun.