Pockets of violence, logistic failure accompany Edo rescheduled APC congress

Party members on queue

By OLALEKAN BADMOS

The All Progressives Congress, APC, held its Edo state chapter congress on Tuesday amidst pocket of violence and logistic failure.

The congress was rescheduled last Saturday when the state chapter of the party could not hold its own when many others were held across the country.

Officers were elected through consensus in all the 192 wards in the 18 local governments of the state.

Late arrival of materials and slight violence which involved shooting characterized the congress.

The designated officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security operatives were, however, present at the various venues.

It was gathered that state party leaders had resolved behind the scene on the executives of their various wards, making the congresses a mere formality.

In some of the wards monitored in Benin City, party members queued for hours waiting for voting materials to arriver.

At Igbesamwan Primary School, Venue of Oredo Ward 9, materials did not arrive as at 12.15 pm. One of the party leaders in the ward, Mr. Osaretin Edosomwan, said in the absence of materials, party members after accreditation voted and Mr. Meshack Erabor emerged winner with 1, 872 votes.

Commenting Chairman of Oreo local government council, Osaze Obaze said, "We have actually not done congress. My people have resolved to wait until any time the party officials come."

The state Deputy Governor, Dr. Prius Odubu, also described the exercise as "hitch-free," adding that the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, deserved commendation for ensuring that party members were encouraged and allowed to elect their officers.

"Everybody tried to harmonize, but it was difficult. Certain persons didn't want that, so we come to the field," Odubu noted.