Commotion as ‘hoodlums’ disrupt PDP factional congress in Ibadan

A commotion ensued on Saturday in Ibadan as suspected hoodlums disrupted the congress organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state.

TheCable understands that a gang of thugs unleashed violence and damaged several vehicles at the Jogor Center venue of the congress.

Oyo PDP had been enmeshed in a crisis in the last few months, which had resulted in protests against Seyi Makinde, governor of the state.

The rift had split the party into two factions. One group is loyal to the governor while another set of supporters belong to the camp of Mulikat Akande-Adeola, a former house of representatives member.

TheCable understands that while the Makinde-led faction held its congress at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, the other group opted for a parallel convention at Jogor Center, where the hoodlums attacked.

Eyewitnesses told TheCable that the hoodlums stormed the venue through the back gate, shooting sporadically into the air and attacking people at the venue.

The number of casualties was not determined at the time of filing this report.

TWO CONGRESSES, TWO SETS OF EXECUTIVES

Two sets of state executives emerged at the end of the congresses organised by both factions.

Dayo Ogungbenro was elected chairman of the Makinde faction while Michael Okunlade emerged as the chairman of the Adeola-Akande group.

Speaking shortly after the congress organised by his faction, Makinde called on the aggrieved PDP members across the state to return to the party for integration, assuring them that they would be accommodated.