Hoodlums Attack Wike-Loyal PDP Faction Congresses in Oyo

Ibadan, Oyo State – Suspected political thugs unleashed violence across Oyo State on Saturday, disrupting local government congresses organized by the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The attacks left at least 10 party members injured and several vehicles vandalized, escalating tensions within the already divided party.

The incident occurred amid ongoing factional disputes in the Oyo PDP, where one group aligns with Wike and the other with Governor Seyi Makinde. As previously reported by NaijaChoice News, the rift has deepened over control of party structures ahead of upcoming elections, leading to parallel activities and heightened rivalries.

Eyewitnesses reported that hoodlums stormed multiple venues where the Wike-backed congresses were underway. In Ibadan North, attackers targeted the Gbolarumi House along Are Avenue in Bodija, vandalizing three vehicles and assaulting participants. Similar disruptions were recorded in Ogbomoso South, Igboora in Ibarapa Central, and Akinyele local government areas.

Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso, chairman of the Wike-loyal faction, confirmed the attacks in a statement. “Our local government congresses were attacked across Oyo State. Ibadan North, Ogbomoso South, Igboora (Ibarapa Central), Akinyele. About 10 people across the state,” Akinoso said. He described the assaults as coordinated and deliberate attempts to sabotage the faction’s activities.

In one particularly alarming episode, thugs allegedly attacked the residence of former Deputy Governor Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, a key figure in the Wike camp. Reports suggest the assailants used broken bottles and other weapons, hacking at least two individuals in Agberire. Some sources have pointed fingers at supporters of Governor Makinde, though no official confirmation has been made.

The chaos has drawn widespread condemnation on social media, with users highlighting the dangers of political thuggery. One post described the events as “chaos in Ibadan as political thugs attack home of former Deputy Governor Hazeem Gbolarumi.” Another noted, “Violence hits Wike-backed PDP congress in Oyo as hoodlums attack ex-deputy gov, party members.”

Security forces have been deployed to restore calm, but the attacks underscore the volatile nature of intra-party conflicts in Oyo PDP. Party leaders from both factions have called for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.