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Controversy Mars Delta APC Governorship Primary

December 4, 2014

Today’s Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary has been marred by a controversy, forcing aspirant Fidelis Tilijie and his supporters to walk out in protest.

To worsen matters, fighting broke out midway through the collation of the results.

The aggrieved Tilijie described the event, which began with accreditation of delegates from the 25 local government areas of the state, as a charade.

He accused his opponent, Emerhor O'tega, of campaigning during the primary right at venue, at the Oshimili South Arcade, Asaba, adding that the entire exercise had been manipulated and that he would therefore not participate in such a contest.

He expressed shock that not even some of the party leaders present could call O’tega to order, stressing that was a clear indication of the manipulation.

"As for me this is not a primary election, this is not the kind of change we are all clamoring for, he lamented.  “The delegates for the primary were not supposed to be more than 4, 000 but what was on ground was more than the expected 4,000. I am very disappointed with our party leaders.  It’s unfortunate." 
[slideshow]36484[/slideshow]Before walking, Tilijie said that whatever results emanated from the governorship primaries would be rejected and that he would challenge what he called “manipulated results” in a competent court of law.

The fighting emerged when some youths alleged that the monies used to bribe delegates had been confiscated by the party chairman of Warri South West.

The visibly aggrieved youths attacked the chairman with clubs and plastic chairs as governorship aspirant O'tega, APC state chairman Jones Erueh and party leaders watched helplessly. 

Security men subsequently brought the situation under control, using guns and other weapons to beat down the youths.  They were then forced to lie down on the ground before they were handcuffed and taken away to an unknown destination.

As of the time of filing this report, O'tega was leading in the counting.

 

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Politics