The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday held congresses in some states to elect executives, Lagos, Adamawa, Oyo and Kwara. The congresses were peaceful in some states while some states notably Lagos and Oyo had some skirmishes.
In Oyo State, the two factional congresses were held, suspected political thugs attacked a member of the party, identified as Omolaja Alao, the victim, who is the chairman of ward 1, Ibadan Northeast Local Government Area, was attacked at the main entrance of the venue of the congress.
It was reported that Michael Okunlade emerged as chairman in a congress conducted by a faction faithful to a former majority leader in the House of Representatives, Mulikat Akande-Adeola.
Okunlade, in his acceptance speech, promised to pacify all members and work towards the development of the party.
While the congress of the faction loyal to Governor Seyi Makinde, Senator Hosea Agboola and Ogunwuyi produced Mr Dayo Ogungbenro as chairman.
In his acceptance speech, Dayo Ogungbenro thanked all the members for giving him the mandate, promising that there would be no leader nor servant during his tenure.
In Lagos, reports revealed that the exercise was cancelled after violence broke out at the venue of the congress held at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
According to reports, some thugs allegedly invaded the venue and disrupted the exercises voting was about to begin.
The pandemonium led the electoral committee chairman, Engr. Johnson Abounu to announce that the congress was cancelled.
The party, however, released a statement by its outgoing Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani blaming the ruling APC in the state for the cancelled congress.
He said congress was peaceful before the thug disruption.
