SAN FRANCISCO, August 19, (THEWILL) – One person was confirmed dead in the primary election of the United Progressives Party (UPP) in Anambra State.
The victim was identified as Uwakwe, a delegate for Owelle Ezunaka Ward 1 and the Chairman of the party in the ward.
The primary election was between a former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka and an ex-member of the House of Representatives, Chudi Offodile.
Offodile, however, announced his withdrawal from the race at about 11am while delegates were being accredited for the polls.
The announcement was not well taken by some delegates which led to a fracas as some were denied entry into the venue.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nkeiru Nwode, confirmed the incident saying the man slumped and died.
“Some people came to the venue to cause trouble but they were locked out,” she said.
“I think the man slumped and died as a result of the stampede that ensued.”
However, sources claim that the victim died after inhaling tear-gas fume from the Police when they attempted to disperse the crowd.
Chidoka eventually emerged the candidate of the party for the November 18 governorship election in the state.
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