Thugs disrupt Ondo APC Reps primary results announcement

The announcement of results from the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primaries in Ondo State was on Sunday disrupted after some youths suspected to be political thugs stormed the party secretariat in Akure.

The primaries were held on Saturday across the 203 wards in the nine federal constituencies of the state in line with the directives of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

However, only three results had been officially announced by the APC primary election committee before the disruption, while results from other constituencies were expected to be released on Sunday.

According to results earlier announced by the committee in a viral video, Mrs Omowunmi Olatunji won the Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency primary with 9,237 votes, while Dr Olumuyiwa Daramola emerged winner in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency with 6,547 votes.

The incumbent lawmaker representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Dr Abiola Makinde, also secured victory with 10,847 votes.

It was gathered that around 7pm on Sunday, the electoral committee led by Mr Iboroma Harry Dabib arrived at the APC secretariat in Akure to announce the remaining results when the suspected thugs allegedly invaded the venue and disrupted the exercise.

The development reportedly caused panic among party members, journalists and officials present at the secretariat, forcing many to flee for safety.

An eyewitness said the situation became chaotic as the youths stormed the venue despite the presence of security operatives.

“When the venue was becoming rowdy, the committee chairman, members, newsmen and other party officials at the party secretariat rushed out when the suspected thugs entered into the venue and started shouting despite the presence of security men around the secretariat.

“The committee members were lamenting that they cannot continue with the results announcement at the expense of their lives and immediately suspended the announcement,” the source said.

The eyewitness added that the committee members and party officials later reconvened after calm was restored at the secretariat.

When contacted, the Ondo State APC Secretary, Mr Alex Kalejaiye, denied reports that party officials abandoned the venue, insisting that normalcy had returned.

“As I am speaking with you, we are at the secretariat to announce the results of the primary,” Kalejaiye said at about 10pm on Sunday.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the remaining results had yet to be announced.