April 20, 2024, Ondo State, Nigeria – Dr. Banji Ajaka, the Ondo State Commissioner for Health, was reportedly assaulted to the point of unconsciousness during the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary held last Saturday. The incident occurred in Ugbo Ward 3 of the Ilaje Local Government Area, where Dr. Ajaka was overseeing the primary elections.
Incident Details
The violence reportedly erupted after allegations arose that Dr. Ajaka was withholding the result sheet for the elections. Eyewitnesses claim that members of the APC, specifically supporters of one of the gubernatorial aspirants, became enraged when they could not access the election outcomes for their unit. Dr. Ajaka, who has been serving as commissioner since his recent appointment by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, found himself at the center of the controversy.
Eyewitness Account
According to a source at the polling unit, the electoral officer pointed out Dr. Ajaka as the individual holding onto the results sheet, which exacerbated tensions among the voters. This accusation led to a violent outbreak, during which the commissioner was severely beaten by a group of party loyalists. “The Commissioner for Health received a serious beating in his hometown when he was trying to act some funny things there. He was beaten blue and black, and his clothes were torn by the angry APC supporters,” reported a witness at the scene.
Commissioner’s Response
Dr. Ajaka confirmed the assault, stating that the attack occurred while he was attempting to clarify the situation to the agitated crowd. “I was beaten by the people. They (APC supporters) accused me of withholding election results, and while trying to explain to them what happened, they just started beating me,” he recounted. The commissioner’s efforts to defuse the situation were unsuccessful, leading to his physical assault.
Political Reactions and Statements
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with calls for calm and a structured approach to resolving electoral disputes. Governor Aiyedatiwa, while applauding the turnout for the primaries, has not yet commented on the assault. However, his administration is under scrutiny for the conduct of party members and the overall security at the event.
Impact on APC’s Image
The assault on Dr. Ajaka not only raises concerns about the internal cohesion within the APC but also about the conduct of its members during critical electoral processes. Such incidents could potentially harm the party’s public image and question the democratic values it purports to uphold.
Security Concerns During Elections
This event underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures during politically charged events, especially in areas known for tense electoral competitions. Ensuring the safety of electoral officers, candidates, and stakeholders is paramount to maintaining order and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Need for Strict Enforcement of Electoral Conduct
In response to this incident, there may be calls for stricter enforcement of rules governing electoral conduct within the APC and other political entities. Implementing rigorous protocols to handle election result dissemination and addressing grievances without resorting to violence are steps that could prevent such occurrences in the future.
Accountability and Justice
For Dr. Ajaka and others affected by similar incidents, achieving justice is crucial. It involves not only penalizing those responsible for election-related violence but also establishing a clear precedent that such behavior is unacceptable in a democratic society. The APC and relevant authorities will need to investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action to address the wrongdoing and support the victims.
Conclusion
The assault on Dr. Banji Ajaka during the APC governorship primary in Ondo State is a stark reminder of the volatility of political events and the necessity for stringent measures to safeguard individuals involved in the electoral process. It calls for a reassessment of how political parties manage disputes and ensure the security of their members, reinforcing the need for dialogue, transparency, and respect for democratic principles in all political activities.
