By Abimbola Ogunnaike
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has so far earned over N1.3 billion from the selling of expression of interest and nomination forms to aspirants for Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states’ governorship elections scheduled for November.
The APC pegged the forms at N50 million and sold them at its national headquarters in Abuja between February 15 and 22, according to a schedule of activities signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu.
In Kogi, many aspirants across the three senatorial zones have signified their ambition with each of them promising to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello.
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 Fnance, 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, 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.
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.
It was gathered that the APC has no valid date for its primaries yet but in the schedule of activities for the elections signed by the National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, the party had slated April 10, for the primaries.
However, the April 10, date for the primary has been postponed on the grounds that it coincides with Easter Monday.
It was gathered that the National Working Committee (NWC) would meet and fix a new date for the primaries.
