The Ogun State Election Petition Tribunal in Isabo, Abeokuta, commenced the hearing of the petition filed by Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), against Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Supporters from both parties gathered at the tribunal to show their solidarity.

However, the atmosphere turned hostile when a group of unidentified individuals, described as political thugs, infiltrated the tribunal premises wielding canes, commonly known as pankere. They targeted perceived opponents, assaulting them without restraint, while law enforcement officers on site, including the police, looked on. Eventually, the Department of State Services (DSS) intervened to restore order.

Despite police barricades placed at both ends of the road leading to the court, the thugs managed to breach the security measures and carry out their attacks.

In the midst of the chaos, the police chose not to arrest or intervene in the violence. One police officer explained, “There is nothing we can do; we can’t arrest them. Everything about Ogun is always different.”

One member of the PDP, who fell victim to the assault, recounted losing personal belongings, including a phone and money, while being beaten.

Due to the escalating violence, PDP members present at the court premises decided to evacuate the area to avoid further harm.