APC inaugurates screening committee on Anambra election

• Odigie-Oyegun promises free, fair primaries
• Party earns N60.5m from forms

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a seven-member screening committee for its primaries in the upcoming governorship election.

The Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, chairs the committee, which was inaugurated by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Osita Izunasohe.

Other members of the committee are Dattuwa Ali Kumo, Awele Nwoko, Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim, Usman Wowo, Halims Agoda and Ba’aba Umar.

Among those jostling for space in the primaries are Chukwuma Paul, Madu I. Nonso I. Moghalu N. George, Nwibe Bart, Nwike N. Patrick, Nwoye Tony, Obidigbo Chike, Okonwko D., Onunkwo O. Johnbosco, Andy Uba, Uchegbu Adoabi and Uzoh Obinna.

The screening would hold between August 10 and 11, while screening appeal cases would be heard on August 14 and 15. Also, the primaries would hold on Saturday, August 19, while appeal from would be heard on August 2017.

It was leant that the committee became necessary since none of the aspirants was ready to step down for a consensus candidate. Ahead of the primaries, the National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun has promised that the party will conduct a free and fair primary poll.

The chairman spoke to clarify reports that the party was trying to bend the rule to favour some candidates.

He said: “We called for this meeting to have an interactive section with you because we have heard a lot of things that you think we haven’t done right.”

Meanwhile, it was leant that over N60.5 million was realised from the sale of expression of interest forms to each of the aspirants.