The All Progressives Congress has suspended its governorship primary, following an outbreak of violence.
This was made known via a Facebook post by the Special Assistnat Public Communications & New Media at Ekiti State Government of Nigeria, Mr. Lere Olayinka.
Our correspondent had reported earlier that some persons suspected to be thugs had invaded the venue of the primary, where they smashed a ballot box on the ground, scattering the contents.
It was gathered that the attack caught the policemen at the venue by surprise.
Violent protest reportedly broke out at Oluyemo Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, venue of the primary.
Trouble started when agents of some of the aspirants complained that the electoral process was being manipulated.
Some thugs responded with attacks on the ballot boxes, smashing them to the ground and emptying the ballot cards.
The security agencies, who were caught unawares, had a difficult time bringing the situation under control.
The News Agency of Nigeria quoted the Director General of the Babafemi Ojudu Campaign Organisation, Ranti Adebisi, as saying that “the election was compromised.”
“It was not immediately clear if the primary election would still go on, as security agents were sighted trying to restore order at the stadium,” NAN said.
Governor Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State, who is leading the team conducting the primary election, had earlier told NAN that the initial rains would not stop the exercise.
He had stressed the readiness of his team to provide a level playing ground for all the 33 aspirants participating in the primary.
As at the time of filing this report, voting, which started at about 4:30 pm, has been suspended till further notice.
The News Agency of Nigeria quoted the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as saying up to 33 candidates are contesting in the governorship primary, out of which one individual will emerge as the APC flag bearer in the governorship election coming up in July.
Ekiti State is currently being ruled by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
