Chaos engulfed the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Lagos State on Monday when suspected political thugs attacked the Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, in Alimosho Local Government Area. The commissioner, widely known as “AB Ajigbotafe,” suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital after losing a significant amount of blood.
According to sources, the attack occurred during a stakeholders’ meeting called to resolve disputes arising from the party’s House of Representatives primary election in Lagos West. Tensions had been building since Saturday’s primaries, which saw clashes between supporters of former Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area chairman, Olabisi Adebajo (alias ABISCO), and incumbent legislator Ganiyu Ayuba.
Witnesses reported that armed thugs invaded the venue with machetes and other weapons, triggering panic and sporadic gunfire. The commissioner, believed to be aligned with one of the rival factions, was targeted in what many described as an assassination attempt. “The assailants failed to kill him, but he sustained severe cuts, his car was vandalized, and security personnel were also critically injured,” a party insider revealed in a message circulated among APC members.
Medical staff worked tirelessly to stabilize Ajigbotafe, who underwent multiple blood transfusions due to heavy blood loss. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Lagos APC, particularly in Alimosho, a key stronghold for the party. Many members have condemned the escalating violence, intimidation, and thuggery within local party structures.
Debo Awosheye, a Certified Protection Officer and concerned APC member, issued a statement urging party leaders to address the crisis urgently. “These acts are unacceptable and threaten our party’s unity and reputation. No political goal justifies such brutality,” he said. Another party member labeled the attack “barbaric” and called for immediate intervention, stating, “Attacking a sitting commissioner in public and causing him to bleed profusely is utterly unacceptable.”