Nigerian senate candidate shot dead ahead of elections

A Nigerian senate candidate has been shot dead and his body burnt by attackers while on his way from a campaign rally.

The attack on Oyibo Chukwu of Labour Party happened three days to Saturday’s general elections – which is being described as the country’s most competitive polls in 24 years.

His aides who were with him were also shot dead before their car was set ablaze with the bodies inside.

Chijioke Edeoga, a candidate for governor’s seat said their members are being targeted for assassination by political parties that felt threatened by the rise of the Labour Party in the state as they are afraid of losing election

The Labour party has not commented on the attack, but its presidential candidate Peter Obi has been urging supporters to vote “correctly, peacefully, and hopefully”.