Tensions have escalated at Ward 1, Stella Maris College, Okitipupa, as supporters of rival aspirants vying for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidacy in the upcoming Ondo State Governorship election clashed violently.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as accredited party members gathered for the candidate selection process. However, the peace was shattered when violence broke out among factions supporting different aspirants, forcing attendees to flee for safety.
Eyewitnesses, speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted the chaotic scene. One witness described how the violence erupted when an agent representing an aspirant allegedly seized the validation and accreditation papers and fled the venue in a car.
The witness stated, “One of the agents came here, snatched the validation and accreditation papers and fled the venue in his car. They chased him but could not catch him. This caused the violence.”
Despite the presence of security agents, the situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading to the dispersal of everyone at the scene. The inability of security personnel to contain the violence further exacerbated the situation, leaving voters scrambling for safety.