Bloodshed at APC Ward Congress: Many Injured as Thugs Invade Oluyole Exercise

ByNewsmakers

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One of those injured at the APC Congress in Oluyole, Ibadan.

Matilda Omonaiye/

Violence disrupted the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State on Saturday, leaving several party members injured and halting the electoral process in parts of the council.

The exercise, conducted to elect ward executives across the local government, descended into chaos at Olomi Ward 7 after suspected political thugs reportedly stormed the venue at Olomi Basic School 1.

Witnesses alleged that the attackers, armed with stones, clubs and other weapons, dispersed party members and officials supervising the congress, triggering panic and confusion.

Among those injured was Hon. Idowu Oyawale, who served as Director-General of the campaign team of House of Representatives member Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe during the last general elections. He reportedly sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Eyewitnesses said tensions had earlier risen over disagreements concerning delegates’ lists and ward executive positions before degenerating into physical altercations and eventual attacks on party loyalists.

According to accounts from participants, the attackers were allegedly mobilised by individuals linked to Prof. Abiodun Gbolagade, an aspirant for the 2027 Oluyole Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
An eyewitness recounted that several party members, including elderly participants, were assaulted during the clash, while the same group allegedly caused disturbances in Ward 2 and Ward 7 during earlier primaries.

(The newspaper could not independently verify the allegations at press time.)

Security operatives later deployed a tactical team to restore order and disperse the attackers, allowing calm to return to the area.

Some party leaders and elders condemned the incident, warning that such violence could undermine internal democracy and damage the party’s credibility ahead of future elections.

They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC national leadership to order a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The congress forms part of nationwide internal party processes expected to shape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.