Sporadic gunshots greet Kogi PDP primaries, disrupt activities »

Gunshots from suspected political thugs disrupted the primary election organised by the People’s Democratic Party to decide its candidate for the November 16th governorship elections in Kogi State.

The thugs, who invaded the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, venue of the election, shooting sporadically into the air sent members of the PDP electoral committee, candidates and officials of the party, including security personnels and observers scampering for safety.

The election, which began peacefully with delegates voting after accreditation, turned violent during the collation when it was obvious that a particular aspirant was clearly in the lead and cruising to victory.

As at the time of filling in this report, election materials were already destroyed due to the stampede and the officials have since left the stadium.

Recall that the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its election in the same stadium on the 29th of August 2019, and produced the incumbent governor Yahaya Bello as flag bearer, an exercise that observers judged to be peaceful and transparent.

INEC had set the 5th of September as deadline for conduct of primaries and resolution of all matters.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to issue an official statement as at this time.