Many Injured As Violence Erupts At APC Ward Congress In Oluyole
The All Progressives Congress Ward Congress in Oluyole Local Government area, Oyo State, was marred by violence on Saturday, with clashes that reportedly left several party members injured.
The exercise, organised to elect Ward executives across the local government’s wards, was disrupted at Olomi Ward 7, by suspected heavily-armed political thugs allegedly linked to a member of the party, Prof. Abiodun Gbolagade, who is an Aspirant for the 2027 Oluyole Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives
Many persons were reportedly wounded during the unrest, while Hon. Idowu Oyawale, the campaign Director-general of House of Representatives member, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe during the last general elections sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an hospital.
According to reports, the heavily-armed group stormed the congress venue at Olomi Basic School 1, dispersing party members and officials supervising the exercise, with stones, clubs and other weapons.
Eyewitnesses said tensions escalated unprovoked over delegates’ lists and ward executive positions.
The disagreement reportedly degenerated into physical altercations before the violent attacks on party members loyal to a House of Representatives member, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe.
It was learnt that security operatives led a tactical team to restore order, peace, and disperse the attackers.
The eyewitness said, “Let it be on record that today, 21st February, 2026 at Olomi APC Oluyole Local Government, Prof. Abiodun Gbolagade mobilised thugs to attack APC members in Oluyole. Those attacked include: Mama Olole (Ward 4), Bukola (Ward 2), Arowolaje and Hon. Idowu Oyewale. The thugs allegedly mobilised by Prof. Abiodun Gbolagade were led by some party members namely Abdullahi Sakariyahu Aresa (Ward 3), Taiwo Idris (Ward 3), Femi aka Iku (Ward 3). Kazeem Oloro (Ward 7), Magi (ward 2) apart from stoning, slapped an 80 year old woman Adebimpe Esho, Ismaila Ajimobi (Ward 2) Kola Okunade (Ward 2), Adeniji Abiodun Aderemi (Ward 3), Babatunde Blessing Muideen (Ward 7), Lafiku Idowu (Ward 4), and Sulaimon Babatunde Omolaja (Ward 3) PA of outgoing Chairman”.
The same group of people, allegedly attacked unprovoked at Ward 2 and Ward 7 during the Ward Primaries.
Reacting to the incident, some party leaders and elders condemned the violence, describing it as unfortunate and capable of undermining the credibility of the internal democratic process.
The leaders have called on Party Chieftains and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately order an investigation into the violent attacks.
