The nation’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is in top gear in preparation for the governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states slated for November 2023.
So far, the party has reportedly raked in over N1.3 billion from selling expressions of interest and nomination forms to aspirants, Naija News learnt.
APC commenced the screening of aspirants for the three elections this last weekend. Earlier in the schedule of activities for the elections, which was signed by the National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, the party slated April 10 for the primaries.
It was, however, observed that the April 10 date for the primary coincides with Easter Monday, hence, the need to postpone the date. Daily Trust gathered that the National Working Committee (NWC) would meet and fix a new date for the primaries.
Naija News understands that the APC pegged the expression of interest and nomination forms at N50m and sold them at its national headquarters in Abuja between February 15 and 22.
In the build-up to the state elections, many aspirants across the three senatorial zones of Kogi State have expressed interest to succeed Governor Yahaya Bello, with each of them promising to consolidate on the achievements of the incumbent governor.
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 and the Commissioner for Finance, Ashiru Idris.
Others are Edward Onoja, Stephen Ocheni, Abubakar Achimugu, Idachaba Friday, Salaudeen Abdulkudus, David Jimoh, Senator Smart Adeyemi, Muritala Ajaka and Halima Alfa.
In Bayelsa, our correspondents report that 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 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.
For Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma, is seeking re-election on the APC’s platform. Similarly, another aspirant, Juliet Awa Obasi, is contesting against the governor.
The APC, however, has not set a date for its primaries yet.
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