The All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised over 1.3 billion Naira from the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for candidates in the November gubernatorial elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states. APC fixed the price of the form at N50m, which was sold at the national headquarters in Abuja from 15th February to 22nd, according to a schedule of activities signed by APC’s National Organization Secretary, Suleiman Argungu.
Furthermore, in Kogi, a number of candidates emerged in the three Senate zones, each promising to cement Yahaya Bello’s governorship achievements.
Those eyeing Bello’s seat are;
- Abdukareem Jamiu
- Dr Sanusi Ohiare
- James Faleke
- Ahmed Ododo
- Salami Deedat
- Shuaibu Audu
- Yakubu Oseni- the Accountant General of the state
- Momoh Jibril
- Yusuf Okala
- Ashiru Idris- Commissioner for Finance
Others are Edward Onoja, Stephen Ocheni, Abubakar Achimugu, Idachaba Friday, Salaudeen Abdulkudus, David Jimoh, Senator Smart Adeyemi, Muritala Ajaka and Halima Alfa.
In Bayelsa, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, Ogbomade Johnson, Joshua Maciver, Barrister Daumiebi Sunday Festus, Prof (Mrs) Ongobi Maureen and Lyon Pereworimini David are in the primary race.
Meanwhile, there are concerns for Sylva as some stakeholders say he must resign before the poll.
While the Bayelsa election is slated for November, the pundits say Sylva has enough time to resign before the poll.
In Imo, Governor Hope Uzodimma is seeking re-election on the APC’s platform. Similarly, another aspirant, Juliet Awa Obasi, is contesting against the governor.
However, it was reported that the APC has no valid date for its primaries yet.
The schedule of activities for the elections was signed by the National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu. The party was slated for April 10, for the primaries.
However, the date for the primary has been postponed on the grounds that it coincides with Easter Monday. Furthermore, sources within the ruling party said the National Working Committee (NWC) would meet to fix a new date. The APC National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Felix Morka, also confirmed that the party was yet to fix a new date.
Meanwhile, the APC commenced the screening of aspirants for the three elections during the weekend.
cc: Daily Trust Ng
