Chaos Unleashed: Thugs Disrupt Edo APC Primary Collation, Forcing Relocation

Chaos erupted at the collation center for the Edo All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election. The disturbance occurred in Benin City, following the completion of the exercise across the 18 local government areas of the state earlier on Saturday.

Trouble escalated when thugs, undeterred by the earlier peaceful voting process, stormed the collation center later in the day. Their disruptive actions included the disposal of cameras belonging to media personnel and a forceful eviction of journalists from the venue.

The abrupt interruption sent attendees, including journalists and others present, scrambling for safety. In response to the turmoil, the collation process was swiftly relocated to another venue, creating a tense atmosphere among observers and participants.

Prior to the disruption, results from eight council areas had been announced. However, the identity of the victor in the primary, a crucial step toward the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election, is yet to be officially declared.

Despite this unfortunate incident, some members of the APC, who had earlier expressed satisfaction with the process at a voting center in Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area, described the exercise as largely peaceful. The aftermath of this disruption now leaves the party and stakeholders on edge, awaiting the conclusion of the collation process and the official declaration of the primary winner.