Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State defended himself against accusations that he was responsible for hiring thugs to disrupt a stakeholders' meeting at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Akure. The disruption occurred during a pre-ward congress meeting presided over by state chairman Ade Adetimehin, where armed individuals reportedly invaded and attacked attendees, leading to injuries and an assault on the chairman. Eyewitness accounts prompted claims that Aiyedatiwa was involved, which he refuted vehemently.

During a meeting with the Ward Congress Committee later that evening, Aiyedatiwa explained the scheduling of the meeting had been adjusted to allow his attendance but was met with reports of security issues, prompting him to contact the Commissioner of Police for assistance. Despite the unrest, Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the incident was perpetrated by supporters of other aspirants looking to create upheaval in the party ranks, rather than any organized effort from his camp.

The implications of this incident highlight the ongoing tensions within the APC in Ondo State, as factions vie for power ahead of upcoming elections. The denial from Aiyedatiwa may also indicate a broader struggle for control within the party, where allegations of violence and intimidation could undermine trust and stability among stakeholders. As the political landscape becomes increasingly competitive, such incidents could heavily influence voter sentiment and party dynamics leading into the elections.