Violence Erupts at PDP Primary Election for Abia North Senatorial District

Strategic Insights -

Violence broke out midway into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election for Abia North Senatorial District on Tuesday, prompting the election committee to abruptly end the exercise. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the three-member ad hoc delegates election was held at the Ohafia Local Government Headquarters, near 34 Army Brigade. The party had earlier conducted a rancour-free rescheduled House of Representatives primary election for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency under tight security.

Key Takeaways:

  • The primary election for Abia North Senatorial District was disrupted by violence, leading to its abrupt conclusion.
  • The controversy surrounding the election arose over alleged non-qualification of some delegates from the area.
  • A serious fight broke out, with shots fired into the air, causing a stampede among election officials, delegates, and observers.
  • Security operatives subsequently chased everyone out of the premises with clubs, whips, and rifles.
  • The contest was between Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa and Rep. Uko Nkole, both aspiring to represent the district in the Senate.
  • Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Mr. Ifeanyi Uchendu, clinched the party's ticket for a second term in the state assembly, defeating his closest rival, Kelvin Jumbo.

Statistics:

  • 36 votes were polled by Mr. Ifeanyi Uchendu to defeat Kelvin Jumbo, who scored 28 votes.
  • 3 votes were obtained by Mr. Samuel Anya, and 0 votes by Love Ezema, the only female aspirant.
  • The incident occurred at the Ohafia Local Government Headquarters, near 34 Army Brigade.
  • The area is comprised of Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Umunneochi Local Government Areas.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
  • Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
  • Abia State Police Command
  • Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps