By Tina George, Minna
A violence-ridden political atmosphere on Saturday, led to the postponement of the state congress of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Niger.
The cancellation of the political event, was as a result of thugs allegedly loyal to two state chairmanship aspirants, who engaged in a fight, making the process stalled.
A former member of House of Representatives, Alhaji Baba Agaie was allegedly manhandled by some party faithful from his own Agaie local government area for supporting the former governor of the state, Dr Babangida Aliyu.
Following the tensed political atmosphere, members of the electoral committee led by Mohammed Imam, were also asked by security agents to leave.
Imam later issued a statement postponing the congress due to uncertain security situation.
“Due to uncertain security situation at the PDP state secretariat, venue of the rescheduled state congress, slated for today, September 12, the congress has been postponed.
“The congress was postponed after unsuccessful attempts were made to get the thousands of party supporters and other persons gather at the precinct of the venue to disperse before the commencement of the voting process.
“The committee will report to the National Working Committee, NEC, which will determine the next line of action in accordance with the constitution of the party,” the statement reads.
Barrister Tanko Benji, who has spent his first term as chairman of the party and Alhaji Mukhtar Ahmed are the two main contenders.
