Gunmen invade APC primaries in Ekiti, disrupt Reps Constituency election

 

Unknown gunmen suspected to be political thugs on Friday disrupted the All Progressives Party (APC) primary election for the House of Representatives at Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II.

Correspondents of the NEWSFLASH NIGERIA at the venue of the election reported that the thugs who were supporters of politicians clashed.

They used dangerous weapons including guns, cutlasses, knives and bottles, to fight and chase people away and destroyed the ballot box and papers.

Delegates, party faithful, electoral officers, and security personnel were whisked out of the election premises following the outbreak of the violence which marred the election process.

The contestants were incumbent lawmaker, Bunmi Ogunlola; former Chief of Staff to Governor Kayode Fayemi, Biodun Omoleye; and Dele Philips

The presiding officer, Akin Alebiosu, was caught in the mayhem and had his head injured with stones and sticks.

Ms Ogunlola, while describing what happened, said a personal assistant to one of the contestants had intercepted the process during voting and destroyed the ballot box and papers, an action which sparked violent reactions.

“The exercise was inconclusive so it is normal we have to go all over again,” he said.

“My appeal to the party is that they should conduct primarily for the constituency because we have limited time.

“It should be conducted in no distant time because tomorrow will be for the Senate even tomorrow we can still do it. They want to take advantage of my gender.”

Meanwhile, a serving member of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1, lost the ticket to a businessman, Akinlayo Kolawole