The All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in the Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State turned violent on Saturday, as clashes between rival groups disrupted the exercise for several hours and left many party members injured.

Witnesses said the congress, organised to elect ward executives across the council area, halted at Olomi Ward 7 after suspected political thugs stormed the venue and attacked party faithful.

The attackers were said to be loyal to APC stalwarts and contestants for the House of Representatives seat of the National Assembly.

Witnesses said the thugs invaded the congress ground at Olomi Basic School I, armed with stones and other dangerous objects, dispersing party delegates and officials.

Idowu Oyawale, the campaign director-general for House of Representatives member Tolulope Akande-Sadipe in the 2023 elections, was said to have been badly injured in the violent clash.

It was gathered that tensions had earlier built up over disagreements surrounding delegates’ lists and the composition of ward executive positions.

Witnesses said an unprovoked argument over delegates’ lists and ward executive positions escalated into physical altercations before the attackers targeted party members.

A spokesman for the APC in Oyo state could not immediately be reached for comments on Saturday.

The Oyo State police command confirmed the incident, noting that it occurred between factional members of the APC

The command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, told Peoples Gazette that the incident did not happen at the congress venue but at a location away from the vicinity.

Mr Olayinka noted that the command has, however, commenced an investigation into the incident and is making efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

“I need to make a clarification. The attack that happened did not happen at the congress. The people that attacked themselves were factions of the same party, who attacked themselves away from the party congress venue. So the congress went peacefully,” the police spokesman stated.

“An investigation has been launched. We are on the trail of those who perpetrated that act,” he added.