ADC pays over N9m compensation to victims of attack on Ekiti secretariat

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State has compensated individuals whose properties were destroyed during an attack that occurred at the party’s state secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Nigerian Tribune had reported the attack on the party secretariat by suspected political thugs hours before the inauguration of its State Working Committee on October 21, 2025.

The party presented cheques totalling over ₦9 million to the affected victims in a move it described as part of efforts to cushion the hardship suffered by residents whose belongings were destroyed when political thugs disrupted the event.

Speaking during the presentation of the cheques in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, Chairman of the party, Ilesanmi Omolayo, alongside a former Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, said the compensation was approved by the national leadership of the party as a demonstration of responsibility and compassion toward the victims.

They explained that the violent incident led to the destruction of several items belonging to residents and vendors around the party secretariat, including plastic chairs, generating sets and event canopies, which were reportedly set ablaze by the attackers.

According to them, the attackers also vandalised parts of the party’s secretariat building, resulting in significant damage that required extensive renovation by the party.

Olusola-Eleka noted that the gesture by the party’s national body was aimed at easing the pains of those affected and reaffirming the party’s commitment to peaceful political engagement in the state.

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He said, “The national leadership of the party approved this compensation to support those whose properties were destroyed during the unfortunate incident. We felt it was necessary to stand by them and demonstrate that the party cares about the welfare of residents and supporters alike.”

The party chairman equally condemned the attack, describing it as an act of political violence that had no place in a democratic society.

He assured residents that the ADC would continue to maintain peaceful relationships with communities across the state and would not tolerate actions capable of endangering lives and property.

The party leadership also pledged continued patronage of the affected vendors and property owners during the forthcoming campaign period, saying the gesture was part of efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen the party’s relationship with the local community.

Also speaking at the event, the ADC governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Ambassador Dare Bejide, appealed to residents to support and mobilize for the party at the polls during the June 20 governorship election.

Bejide said the compensation exercise reflected the values of accountability, responsibility and compassion which the party represents.

“This gesture shows the kind of leadership the ADC stands for. We believe in people-oriented governance, and we will continue to stand with the people of Ekiti State at all times,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Esther Lawal expressed appreciation to the party for the intervention, noting that the compensation would go a long way in helping the victims recover from their losses.

She commended the party leadership for what she described as a demonstration of responsible leadership and urged residents of the state to support the party’s candidate in the forthcoming election.

“We appreciate the party for remembering us in our time of need. This support will help many of us recover from the losses we suffered during the incident,” she said.

The beneficiaries Mrs Lawal, Mrs. Tinuola and Damilola Akinbode, collectively received over ₦9 million to cover the damages to their properties.

The event was attended by several prominent members of the party, including former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sikiru Tai-Lawal; former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and ADC state Publicity Secretary, Gboyega Aribisogan; and a former commissioner in the state, Chief Segun Akinwunmi, among other party leaders and supporters.