Published July 14, 2024
Election: Aggrieved PDP members battle former youth leader
By Uche Iweka
The Edo State Police Command, led by Mr Johnson Babatunde Kokumo has intervened in the release of the kidnapped parents of a former Igbanke youth leader, Mr Obi Happy, who has been on self exile for the past eight years after series of threats on his life by aggrieved members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the area.
It was gathered that Mr Obi Happy has been on exile for the past eight years as a result of the problem he had with one of the opposition political parties in Nigeria, PDP, during the governorship election in the stat, held July 14, 2012. alledging that he was caught thumbprinting, carting away with ballot boxes and collecting bribe from other political parties and so the Party members vowed to destroy him.
It was also gathered that Mr Obi Happy had a case with PDP which was arraigned at Ewuriaria Magistrate Court, Edo State in the year, 2012, which he, Mr Obi Happy was declared winner.
In an interview with newsmen, the released parents revealed that their abductors told them that they should warn their son, Obi Happy not to ever return from exile where he is right now, since he has a second chance to work against their party.
In a town hall meeting organised on saturday, July 14, 2024 by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to canvass for votes for the upcoming governorship election slated for Saturday September, 21, 2024 in Edo State, which Mr Obi Happy participated through zoom and advised Edo people to vote for Labour Party, LP, alledging that other political parties has done nothing for Edo State and people of Igbanke in Orhionmwhon Local Government Area 5of Edo State.
It was recalled that it was the midnight after the town hall meeting where Mr Obi Happy advised the youths against voting for PDP and All Progressive Party, APC, that his parents were kidnapped.
Our reporter spoke to Mr Obi Happy through zoom after the release of his parents and he said ," despite what the enemies have done, I am still telling my people of Igbanke and Edo State not to vote for PDP and APC that has done nothing for us in their past years
of being in office. We are going to vote and support the Labour Party, LP, we belive that with them, our state will be a better place. The truth must stand, we will only support leaders and parties that have the interest of the people at heart", he said.
As at the time our reporters visited Igbanke community, we discovered that the schools and roads are in a very bad state and some of the residents who pleaded anonimity said the former youth leader, Mr Obi Happy is a threat to PDP and APC due to the influence he wields over his people and that PDP for the past eight years of being in office has done nothing for them.
