TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT CONDEMNS BRUTAL ATTACK ON APC LEADERS IN ONDO STATE; DEMANDS AN END TO ALLEGED THUGGERY AND POLITICAL INTIMIDATION IN THE STATE

PRESS STATEMENT

TAKEITBACK MOVEMENT CONDEMNS BRUTAL ATTACK ON APC LEADERS IN ONDO STATE; DEMANDS AN END TO ALLEGED THUGGERY AND POLITICAL INTIMIDATION IN THE STATE

Akure, Nigeria – February 18, 2026

The TakeItBack Movement strongly condemns the violent attack on Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman in Ondo State, along with other party leaders and members. This disturbing incident occurred yesterday during a stakeholders meeting at the party’s secretariat in Akure, ahead of the scheduled ward congresses.

What should have been a routine democratic process within the party descended into chaos when armed thugs allegedly linked to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and loyal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stormed the venue. The attackers assaulted Engr. Adetimehin and several others, dragging some to the ground, seizing personal belongings, and leaving multiple people injured and requiring hospital treatment.

This kind of violence is unacceptable and far removed from legitimate governance. It represents a dangerous escalation that turns political differences into physical confrontations and threatens the peace of Ondo State, long regarded as a relative haven of stability amid Nigeria’s challenging political environment.

The Movement find it deeply troubling that a sitting governor, who holds the responsibility of upholding law and order, stands accused of orchestrating or tolerating such intimidation against fellow party members.

Meanwhile, governance cannot be reduced to strong-arm tactics or the deployment of hired groups to silence dissent or enforce personal agendas. This is not a leadership, it is a betrayal of public trust and a direct assault on democratic principles.

The Sunshine State must not be allowed to slide into a pattern of thuggery fueled by unchecked power or internal rivalries.

We recall with alarm the similar violence during last year’s June 12 2025 protest in Akure, where thugs reportedly loyal to state attacked the peaceful protesters at Cathedral Junction, injuring protesters and looting our belongings.

These recurring incidents raise serious concerns, Is Ondo drifting toward a climate where disagreement is met with chaos rather than dialogue?

It is very important to not that political disputes, whether within a party or beyond must be addressed through open conversation, established party procedures, and legal avenues, never through mob violence or assault.

The TakeItBack Movement calls on civil society organizations across Ondo State and Nigeria to join us in denouncing this growing trend of political violence in the state.

We also call on law enforcement agencies to launch a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into the attack, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. Every political actor, regardless of affiliation, deserves protection under the law.

Finally, we urge Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take decisive steps, disavow any form of intimidation, dismantle networks that enable such acts, and recommit to transparent, peaceful leadership that serves all citizens of Ondo State.

Patrick Owolabi
Ondo State Take It Back Movement Coordinator