African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain and governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Apostle Ayodele David-Adesua, has vowed that no form of violence or intimidation will derail the party’s determination to wrest power and restore good governance in the state.

David-Adesua made the declaration in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti while reacting to the Tuesday attack on the party’s state secretariat and members.

He condemned what he described as a “barbaric and cowardly act” carried out by suspected political thugs who reportedly set ablaze the newly inaugurated ADC secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, vandalised properties, and attacked party members during the inauguration of executive committees across the state.

“I strongly condemn the barbaric burning of our newly established ADC Secretariat, a desperate act of political cowardice and intimidation,” he said. “This attack is not merely against a building, but an assault on the democratic will of the Ekiti people who yearn for freedom from misrule and tyranny.”

The governorship hopeful stressed that the party would not be deterred by acts of provocation, insisting that the ADC would emerge stronger from the setback.

“Let it be clear that no amount of destruction or deceit will weaken our resolve. From these ashes, we shall rescue, rebuild, and rise stronger, bolder, and more united. This cowardly act will only strengthen our determination to defend truth, uphold justice, and restore the dignity of our people,” he declared.

David-Adesua added that the ADC’s mission to bring transformation and hope to Ekiti was divinely ordained and driven by the will of the people.

“We will not bow to agents of oppression or internal saboteurs who thrive on chaos. We will confront corruption with courage, tyranny with truth, and fear with faith. Our movement is people-driven, unstoppable, and anchored in divine purpose. Together, we will rebuild what has been destroyed and reclaim Ekiti’s destiny,” he said.

Meanwhile, a former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, who was in Ekiti for the inauguration, also condemned the attack. He described it as a “shameful display of intolerance and a dangerous threat to democracy.”

“It is unfortunate that individuals who came to power through a democratic process could resort to violence and intimidation to silence opposition voices. The essence of democracy lies in the freedom of association and political participation without fear or coercion. The attack on ADC members in Ekiti represents a descent into fascism,” Aregbesola stated.

The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation has been launched to identify and prosecute those responsible for the incident.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has scheduled the Ekiti State governorship election for June 20, 2026.