Gunmen abduct nine electoral officers in Edo

Nine electoral officers of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have been kidnapped in Edo state.

This has led to the cancellation of the Etsako Central ward delegates election in the State.

Mr Tony Aziegbemi, the state PDP chairman, who stated this when he spoke with newsmen in Benin on Monday, said the decision was taken by the Governor Peter Mbah led delegates congress committee.

He, however, said that the cancellation would not affect the February 22 PDP governorship primaries.

According to him, the decision was in the best interest of the party, saying that,  the number of delegates in Etsako Central was 31, while the total number of delegates in the state was 594.

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

“The lives of those who have been kidnapped are important to us and we are praying for their safe return,” he said.

Aziegbemi urged aggrieved governorship aspirants of the party to approach the appeal panel for redress.

The chairman also called on the aggrieved aspirants to be circumspect on the way they criticise the party. saying that its image was being battered.