The Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tony Aziegbemi, has been reportedly abducted by gunmen, adding a disturbing twist to the political landscape. The incident occurred around 7 pm on Friday, mere days after the expiration of the party's State Working Committee.
Reports indicate that Aziegbemi was abducted as he was about to enter his residence following a meeting with Governor Godwin Obaseki in Benin City. According to sources, the abductors intercepted Aziegbemi's vehicle at the entrance of his house along Country Home Hotel Road, Benin City, after the meeting with the governor. They subsequently seized Aziegbemi, leaving behind his driver.
The timing of the abduction coincides with preparations for the upcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election, further intensifying speculation and concern. Notably, the PDP candidate for the election, Asue Ighodalo, was expected to attend the meeting with the governor but was unavailable due to prior commitments.
An anonymous chieftain of the party revealed that the meeting between Aziegbemi and the governor aimed to strategize the formation of a caretaker committee to oversee the party's affairs pending the election of a new executive. This move was deemed necessary as the tenure of the Aziegbemi-led State Executive Committee had recently concluded.
