The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will screen its 2023 presidential candidates today, barring last-minute changes.
Suleiman Argungu, the party’s national organizer, announced this in Abuja yesterday. He said the party will screen 28 presidential aspirants today and tomorrow at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, four days before its convention.
The party postponed the exercise again Sunday after it failed last weekend. The plan change was unjustified. The screening was originally scheduled for May 14 and 15, but the party postponed it and set a new date for May 23.
Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, APC National Leader Bola Tinubu, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Senate President Ahmad Lawan have submitted their forms.
Prof. Ben Ayade, governor of Cross River State; Dave Umahi, governor of Ebonyi State; Dr. Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti State; ex-Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajiuba; former Senate President Ken Nnamani; Senator Ajayi Borofice; and Pastor Tunde Bakare.
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, his Jigawa State counterpart Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, ex-Zamfara State governor Sen. Ahmed Yerima, former Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, former Imo State governor Sen. Rochas Okorocha, former Ogun State governor Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, and former House Speaker Dimeji Bankole are also included.
Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor and APC presidential hopeful, Kayode Fayemi said there are more pretenders than contenders in the APC presidential race. Only five of the 23 candidates for the ruling party’s nomination are serious, he said. He didn’t name the five contenders.
Fayemi requested a visit to Niger State. Ekiti governor Kayode Fayemi said aspirants’ seriousness is determined by their ability to travel the country.
“It’s visit season, and states keep hosting us. 23 presidential candidates are listed, but only five are campaigning. This separates pretenders from contenders, he said.
Tinubu, Osinbajo, Amaechi, Lawan, and Fayemi visited states. Chris Ngige, Timipre Sylva, and Akinwumi Adesina have withdrawn from the race.
Also, former Education Minister Nwajiuba said he supports the party’s decision to attach the controversial letter of withdrawal to Expression of Interest and Nomination forms sold to aspirants.
Before submitting, sign the withdrawal letter to Adamu before a Commissioner of Oath/Public Notary.
Nwajiuba urged delegates at the party’s national convention to set aside pecuniary interest and elect a flag bearer who can address the country’s challenges.
Nwajiuba said the letter would be useful if the party chooses a consensus candidate. He promised to agree to a party consensus if necessary.
“You can’t win an election without everyone’s support,” he said. Why say I can only win if I’m powerful? Consensus wins. I’ll accept whatever my party decides. Choosing me would benefit them and Nigeria. If they don’t choose me, they’ll offer Nigerians whoever they choose, and we’ll support the party.”
- Tags: 2023 Elections, APC, Nigeria
