The state secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti was gutted by fire in a suspected arson attack late Monday, with party officials swiftly denouncing the act as a politically motivated assault designed to cripple their growing influence.
Footage circulated by the party on social media Tuesday morning depicted a scene of extensive devastation, showing the building completely burned out. The inferno consumed the structure’s interior, incinerating thousands of plastic chairs, furniture, and other critical party assets.
In an official statement released hours after the discovery of the fire, the ADC leadership condemned what it labeled a “cowardly act,” directly attributing it to political rivals alarmed by the party’s expanding footprint and organizational cohesion in the state.
“Our Party Secretariat was set ablaze by those threatened by the rising momentum and formidable organisational structure that the Ekiti ADC is building,” the party declared. “This cowardly act is most unfortunate, yet it will only fortify our determination and unity.”
The timing of the incident has intensified suspicions, as the attack coincided with the party’s planned “Reconfiguration and Affirmation Ceremony” for its newly elected executives across all levels, ward, local government, senatorial, and state, scheduled for Tuesday.
Eyewitness accounts describe a tense night scene. A resident who gave his name as Tunde reported being startled by the blaze around midnight. “We were shocked to see the fire. By the time help came, everything was gone. It is sad that politics in Ekiti has come to this level,” he said.
The incident has sparked concerns among political observers about a potential escalation of violence in the state’s political arena. Comrade Femi Adebayo, a local political analyst, condemned the attack, stating, “The destruction of party properties is an attack on democracy itself. Authorities must ensure that those behind this act face the full weight of the law.”
As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force, Ekiti State Command, has not issued an official statement on the incident. However, security sources confirm that an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Undeterred by the destruction, the ADC has vowed to rebuild and continue its political activities. “Our spirit remains unbroken; our vision, unstoppable,” the party’s statement affirmed, signaling its resolve to remain a formidable force in Ekiti politics.
