…sales closes tomorrow
With less than 24 hours until the deadline for purchasing the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship nomination and expression of interest forms in Anambra State, only five aspirants have obtained the N50 million forms ahead of the party’s April 5 primary election.
As of the close of business last Friday, the aspirants who had picked the forms include Hon. Chukuma Michael Umeoji, Prof. Obiora Francis Okonkwo, Nicholas Chukwujeku Ukachukwu, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and Onunkwo Johnbisco Obinna.
The sale of forms, which commenced on February 10, is set to close tomorrow, February 25, while the deadline for submission of completed forms is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
However, there are indications that the submission deadline may be extended due to the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for the same day at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
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Sources within the party suggest that the National Working Committee (NWC) may announce an extension as early as today (Monday).
Additionally, there is speculation that the APC may extend the sale of forms to accommodate new entrants, particularly following last week’s defection of Valentine Ozigbo, a close ally of 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Ozigbo, who lost the 2021 Anambra governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is rumored to be considering a bid for the APC ticket.
A party insider revealed that Ozigbo’s defection is under review, and a waiver could be granted if he decides to contest.
When contacted, the APC Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Nze Chidi Duru, cast doubt on an extension of the sale of forms but acknowledged that the submission deadline might be pushed back.
“The NWC has not met over the issue. But in view of the NEC meeting on Wednesday, we may consider extending the submission deadline by a day or two,” Duru said.
Regarding rumors of an extension for purchasing forms, he added, “I don’t think so. We are yet to discuss it, and I am not aware of any extension for sales of forms.”
The APC primary is scheduled for April 5, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Anambra State governorship election for November 8, 2025.