By Amos Aar
A 2-time House of Representatives member for Sankera Federal Constituency and 2023 Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Benue North-East, Emmanuel Udende, has reportedly arrested by the Nigerian Army less than 24 hours to February 25th presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria.
There were speculations and public outcry on Friday evening especially by APC social media influencers that, Hon. Udende was kidnaped by unknown gunmen on his way to Gbeji, his village in Ukum local government area to participate in today’s elections.
According to the reports, Udende’s vehicle was thoroughly searched as he was also alleged tohave been seriously beaten after which he pushed out of his vehicle by his abductors who dressed in military uniform and were driving in army vehicle.
But when contacted, Mr Jerry Iorngaem, the Director of Media and Publicity, Emmanuel Udende Campaign Organization, confirmed to National Record that Udende was picked by soldiers not unknown gunmen as alleged in the social media.
Mr Iorngaem, who did not give details of the incident, simply replied in a chat via Facebook messenger, “military men not kidnappers”.
Udende is in the race for the seat with the incumbent Senator Gabriel Suswam who is the immediate past Governor of Benue State.