Hoodlums Disrupt Wike-Backed PDP Congress in Oyo, Injure Party Members

Hoodlums Disrupt Wike-Backed PDP Congress in Oyo, Injure Party Members

Violence erupted on Saturday as suspected hoodlums disrupted the local government congress of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Nyesom Wike, leaving several party members injured and properties vandalised across Oyo State.

The attacks reportedly occurred at multiple congress venues, including Ibadan North, Ogbomoso North, Akinyele, and Ibarapa Central local government areas, where members of the Wike-backed PDP faction had gathered to conduct their internal party elections.

According to a member of the faction, Julius Adekunle, the hoodlums stormed several designated venues of the PDP local government congress in what he described as a coordinated assault. He said the attackers targeted many of the venues simultaneously, suggesting that the disruption was carefully planned.

Adekunle disclosed that at least 10 party members were attacked, while several vehicles and other properties belonging to participants were vandalised during the chaos. The violence forced many attendees to flee the venues for safety.

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One of the most notable incidents occurred in the Bodija area of Ibadan, where the residence of former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Hazeem Gbolarunmi, was reportedly invaded by the hoodlums. Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed during the attack, including vehicles parked within the premises.

The chairman of the faction in the state, Abdulrahman Akinoso, confirmed the attacks and described the situation as chaotic. He said the violence disrupted the PDP congress in Oyo State and raised concerns about the safety of party members participating in the exercise.

Akinoso called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible for the attacks are arrested and prosecuted. He stressed the need for adequate security during political activities to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

The incident highlights the deepening crisis within the PDP in Oyo State, where rival factions linked to Nyesom Wike and Governor Seyi Makinde have been locked in a prolonged struggle for control of the party’s structure.

Political observers say the violence could further intensify tensions within the party as both factions continue to battle for dominance ahead of future political contests.

Despite the attacks, leaders of the Wike-aligned faction insisted they remain committed to strengthening their structure within the party and would not be intimidated by acts of violence.

Hoodlums Disrupt Wike-Backed PDP Congress in Oyo, Injure Party Members