Zamfara PDP Electoral Committee held hostage
It was not an easy ride for Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, the Chairman of the Zamfara State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Electoral Committee and his members during the State Congress which was held at Gusau on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. The members were held hostage for more than four hours by a faction of PDP led by Senator Sahabi Yau Kaura, who had come to the party secretariat with a prepared list of delegates different from the authentic one.
Trouble started when the Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Obinna Anosike started calling out delegates for accreditation. Senator Kaura leading some thugs started shouting on top of his voice saying the list prepared by his team must be used for the conduct of the Congress.
All attempts by Akinlade and the security agents to prevail on Kaura to abide by the decision of the party fell on deaf ears and the situation became tense.
The situation became uncontrollable and the venue became rowdy and war songs were being chanted. Sensing the situation may lead to loss of lives and properties, the authentic delegates were asked to move to a safe location in outskirt of Gusau metropolis .
However, the Chairman of the Committee, Akinlade and few other members were prevented from leaving the venue. They were held hostage for more than four hours. They were held inside their vehicle pleading for their lives. After about four hours, the security agents at the venue called for reinforcement and they were eventually rescued at around 7pm.
