Violence marred the meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) eight-man national committee for the Ogun State governorship primaries and the six aspirants battling for the ruling party’s governorship ticket in the state.
The committee led by Muhammad Indabawa had its meeting disrupted as thug invaded the venue and shot sporadically as people scampered for safety.
As 2019 draws closer, flashpoints of political violence continue to pop in different parts of the country as politician battle within their individual parties to get party nomination to contest for public office in 2019.
Barely 10 minutes after the meeting began at the main hall of Mitros Residence, Ibara GRA in Abeokuta; suspected thugs from various camps had invaded the venue and starting shooting sending everyone, including journalists who were waiting for the outcome of the meeting scampering for safety.
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Individuals who had been present at the meeting include; Jimi Lawal, Bimbo Ashiru, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Dapo Abiodun, Abayomi Hunye and Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s anointed candidate, Adekunle Akinlade.
The state Chairman of the APC had arrived at the venue of the meeting alongside members of the national committee at 10:40pm and kicked off immediately other party stakeholders arrived.
The secretary to the Ogun State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa as well as other state executives of APC led by the Chairman, Derin Adebiyi was also present.
The primary for the governorship ticket of the party had been slated for Sunday but was later shifted till Monday.
In his opening address, the chairman of the committee bemoaned the lateness of the arrival of the committee members who blamed their late arrival on logistics.
He thereafter reiterated that the committee had deemed it necessary to meet with all the aspirants ahead of the governorship primary in the state.
He concluded by asking the aspirants and the stakeholders to work together in ensuring a hitch free exercise.