By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum in Ondo State has strongly condemned the violent attack on the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ade Adetimehin, describing the incident as a grave threat to democratic norms, party discipline and constituted authority.
The group, while addressing journalists on Wednesday, said the assault on the party chairman at the APC secretariat represented a disturbing development capable of undermining internal democracy and political stability within the ruling party.
In a statement issued by its chairman, Erastus Akeju, and read by the convener, Ademola Ijabiyi, the forum alleged that hoodlums posing as political actors stormed the secretariat on Tuesday, and subjected Adetimehin and other party leaders to violence and public humiliation.
According to the group, the incident marked a dangerous descent into lawlessness and contradicted the progressive ideals upon which the APC was founded.
It warned that normalising violence within party structures could erode public trust and weaken the party’s institutional credibility.
The elders noted that the attack was not merely a personal affront to Adetimehin but a direct assault on the integrity of the APC as a governing party, cautioning that silence or indifference in the face of such brutality could embolden impunity and trigger further acts of political chaos.
They therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as leader of the party, to intervene decisively to restore order and reaffirm that violence would not be tolerated within the party’s ranks.
The forum said the President’s longstanding commitment to democratic values and institutional order should reflect in urgent steps to ensure accountability and stability.
The group also urged the National Chairman of the APC and members of its National Working Committee to launch an immediate investigation into the incident, identify those responsible and impose appropriate sanctions, stressing the need for firm directives that would reinforce discipline and strengthen internal security mechanisms across party structures nationwide.
It added that as the party moves closer to the 2027 general elections, it must present itself as an organisation guided by law, unity and civility rather than intimidation or coercion, noting that electoral success is earned through service, credibility and public confidence.
Warning against the escalation of political tension in Ondo State, the forum said the state must not become a theatre of intimidation, emphasising that party members deserve safety, respect and equal opportunity to participate in party processes.
While condemning the attack, Akeju appealed to members and supporters of the APC to remain calm and avoid reprisals, insisting that justice would be better achieved through lawful and institutional channels.
He described the moment as critical for the future of the party, stressing that the response of its leadership would shape its character and direction in the years ahead, and urged members to prioritise dialogue, unity and order over violence and division.
