Pandemonium As Violence Erupts At PDP Rally In Edo

At least ten persons reportedly sustained injuries from gunshots at a rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benin, Edo state.

The rally, which was held on Saturday, was to kick start electioneering activities for Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state and candidate of the PDP in the September 19 governorship election.

According to TheCable, the incident happened when the governor, national chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, and other chieftains of the party, were returning from the palace and heading to Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the campaign.

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Sources said the PDP campaign train had clashed with some supporters of the opposing All Progressives Congress (APC) while making their way to the stadium.

“We were by the palace gate, and when the governor’s entourage was coming, we still stood there and suddenly we started hearing sporadic gunshots,” one of the sources said.

“People started running, falling over each other, and about 10 people have sustained injuries.”

Chris Nehikaira, the PDP spokesperson in Edo state, also told TheCable that the campaign was peaceful but “some elements loyal to the APC tried to disrupt the visit of the governor to the palace”.

The governorship race is between Obaseki and Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the APC.