Tensions flared at Ward 1, Stella Maris College, Okitipupa, as supporters of rival aspirants within the All Progressives Congress, APC, clashed over candidacy for the upcoming Ondo State Governorship election on November 16.
As accredited party members gathered in anticipation of the candidate selection process, chaos erupted among the factions, prompting a swift dispersal of attendees for safety.
According to a witness who requested anonymity, the outbreak of violence occurred before the accreditation and election procedures could commence. The disruption ensued when an agent associated with one aspirant seized validation and accreditation papers before absconding from the premises.
In the words of the anonymous source, “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 personnel, the situation spiraled out of control, leading to many people running away from the scene of the exercise.