Nine electoral officers in Edo State have been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen

Gunmen have abducted nine electoral officers affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state, leading to the cancellation of the Etsako Central ward delegates election in the state.

File photo: Gunmen

Mr. Tony Aziegbemi, the state PDP chairman, confirmed the incident, stating that the decision to cancel the election was made by the Governor Peter Mbah-led delegates congress committee.

Despite the cancellation, Aziegbemi assured that it would not impact the PDP governorship primaries scheduled for February 22.

Providing context, he mentioned that Etsako Central had 31 delegates out of the total 594 in the state, emphasizing that this number wouldn't significantly affect the primary election.

“You will agree with me that 31 out of 594 is an insignificant figure which will not have a substantial effect on the primary election,” he said.

Concerned about the safety of the abducted officers, Aziegbemi expressed, “The lives of those who have been kidnapped are important to us, and we are praying for their safe return.”

Aziegbemi urged governorship aspirants with grievances to seek redress from the appeal panel. He also advised them to be cautious in criticizing the party to preserve its image.