Gunfire Disrupts APC Senatorial Primary in Ondo as Aspirant Escapes Attack

Tension engulfed parts of Ondo Central Senatorial District in Ondo State on Monday after gunmen stormed some centres during the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries, forcing voters and residents to flee.

One of the leading aspirants in the contest, Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire, was said to have narrowly escaped death after suspected political thugs allegedly opened fire near his convoy at Ward 5, Okelisa, along Amudipe Street in Akure.

The violence reportedly disrupted the exercise as sporadic gunshots sent panic across the area, with traders, residents, journalists and pupils of a nearby primary school scampering for safety.

Witnesses said the hoodlums, some armed with machetes, invaded the venue while votes were being counted and attacked supporters at the ward.

Security operatives were said to have quickly moved Adegbomire away from the scene after his vehicle allegedly came under attack.

Speaking after the incident, the senator condemned the conduct of the primary, describing it as manipulated and marred by violence.

According to him, the disruption began when indications emerged that he was enjoying wider support at the polling unit.

“It’s a complete charade. I went to my ward today for the APC Senate primaries and they started counting supporters. Mine was in the middle, Taiwo Fasoranti’s own was by the right and Adu’s own was by the left,” he said.

Adegbomire alleged that armed thugs invaded the venue and disrupted the process once it became apparent he was leading in the exercise.

“When it became glaring that I was leading, thugs invaded the place, shot into the air and shot at my car. I can show you the bullet mark,” he alleged.

“They started trying to machete people and beating people up. They disrupted the entire process.”

The lawmaker further claimed that intimidation of his supporters was also recorded in other wards across the senatorial district.

“They are not allowing my supporters to even get onto the field. They are saying if you are not going to vote for Fasoranti, go back to your house. They have hired thugs to intimidate people,” he added.

The incident added another layer of controversy to the APC primary in Ondo Central, one of the key contests in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ondo State Police Command and APC officials in the state had yet to issue official statements on the attack and allegations surrounding the exercise.