- Violence Rocks Lagos APC Primaries as Commissioner Ajigbotafe Attacked in Alimosho
- Commissioner Currently Hospitalised
- Suffers Heavy Blood Loss
Violence broke out during the All Progressives Congress primaries in Lagos State on Monday after suspected political thugs allegedly attacked the Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, during a clash in Alimosho.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Ajigbotafe, popularly known as “AB Ajigbotafe” in political circles, was reportedly left seriously injured and is currently receiving medical treatment after allegedly sustaining severe injuries and heavy blood loss during the incident.
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The attack reportedly occurred during an APC stakeholders’ meeting convened to address disputes arising from the party’s House of Representatives primary election in Lagos West.
Sources said the crisis was connected to tensions generated during Saturday’s primaries involving supporters of former Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area chairman, Olabisi Adebajo, popularly known as ABISCO, and incumbent lawmaker Ganiyu Ayuba.
The primary election was said to have descended into chaos after armed thugs allegedly stormed the venue with dangerous weapons, causing panic and triggering sporadic gunfire.
Party insiders alleged that Ajigbotafe was aligned with one of the rival political camps, a development believed to have heightened tensions ahead of Monday’s reconciliation meeting.
The peace meeting, however, reportedly turned violent after suspected loyalists of influential political figures allegedly attacked the commissioner with machetes in what witnesses described as an assassination attempt.
“The assassination attempt on the Honourable Commissioner was unsuccessful; however, he sustained serious injuries, his vehicle was damaged, and security personnel were severely wounded,” a party member stated in a message circulated among APC stakeholders.
Sources further disclosed that the commissioner reportedly lost a large quantity of blood and underwent multiple blood transfusions as doctors worked to stabilise his condition.
The incident has reportedly unsettled the Lagos APC, particularly in Alimosho, regarded as one of the ruling party’s strongest political strongholds in the state.
The attack also sparked outrage among party members and stakeholders, many of whom condemned the growing level of violence, intimidation and political hooliganism within local party structures.
In a statement addressed to APC leaders in Alimosho, concerned party member and Certified Protection Officer, Debo Awosheye, described the development as disturbing and damaging to the party’s image.
“These incidents are unacceptable and capable of damaging the unity, reputation, and democratic values of our party,” he said.
“No political ambition or disagreement should ever justify violence, intimidation, harassment, or threats against party members.”
Awosheye warned that failure to urgently address the crisis could deepen internal divisions and negatively affect the party ahead of future elections.
Another APC member who reacted to the attack described the incident as barbaric and called for immediate intervention by party leaders.
