ANAMBRA: Kidnappers hold LP candidate hostage for 38 days counting, warn party officials to keep negotiation secret

The candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the November 6 Anambra State governorship election is still in captivity 11 days to the polls.

Obiora Agbasimalo was kidnapped on September 18 on his way from Ezinifitte Nnewi South Local Government Area to Azhia in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state while campaigning. That was a week after he flagged off his campaign.

His party officials, Mr Clement Ojukwu, National organizing secretary; and a member of the Labour Party campaign council, Mr Stanley Okoli briefed journalists on Tuesday in Awka.

According to them, the abduction of their candidate has a political undertone.

“Our candidate has not appeared since he was abducted on 18th September 2021. He was abducted alongside his security on his way from Ezinifitte to Azhia in Ihiala where he was going for a campaign. He was also kidnapped alongside his security aide,” Ojukwu said.

“Since after his abduction, he has not appeared anywhere and his abductors have always spoken to us to assure us that he is alive and we believe he will be out soon.

“What we discuss with them and what they tell us is like what a man and a woman discuss in the bedroom because it is secret. We always discuss with them to ensure our candidate is alive, and they let us speak with him,” he added.

Ojukwu insisted the former bank worker is popular, and his chances are high, which is why they are holding him in a kidnapper’s den.

“This is not the first time this is happening. People have been in prison and won elections. You remember Omisore, you remember T.A Orji? We believe that he will win the election,” he said.