Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Barring any last-minute change of plans, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, is set to extend its deadline for purchase of governorship nomination and expression of interest forms.
The move may be considered by the party to allow the opportunity for more aspirants to purchase their nomination and expression of interest forms fixed at N50 million.
Ikengaonline gathered that only five aspirants have obtained the forms with less than 24 hours until the deadline, ahead of the party’s April 5 primary election.
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.
So far, the aspirants who have picked the forms include Hon. Chukwuma Michael Umeoji, Prof. Obiora Francis Okonkwo, Nicholas Chukwujeku Ukachukwu, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and Onunkwo Johnbosco.
However, some party insiders have disclosed that the National Working Committee (NWC) may announce an extension as early as Monday.
The speculation is not unconnected to plans to accommodate new entrants, particularly following the recent defection of Valentine Ozigbo, a chieftain of Labour Party and ally to Peter Obi, former governor of the state.
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.
Meanwhile, the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Hon. Nze Chidi Duru, has cast doubt on an extension of the sale of forms but acknowledged that the submission deadline might be pushed back.
