APC begins screening of Anambra gov aspirants
The Anambra State governorship screening and appeal committee set up by the All Progressives Congress to screen the party’s seven aspirants ahead of the April 5 primary election was officially inaugurated on Friday.
The seven-member committee headed by a former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, commenced the exercise shortly after its inauguration by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.
Seven aspirants have been nominated following the successful purchase and submission of the N50m forms before the deadline window closed on Tuesday, February 25.
The seven successful aspirants are Prof Obiora Okonkwo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Chukuma Umeoj, Paul Chukwuma, Onunkwo Johnbisco Obinna, Valentine Ozigbo, and Edozie Madu.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ganduje urged the Shema-led screening panel to be fair and prevent litigation.
He said: “I am so happy with the members of the committee because we considered so many variables in picking especially the chairman of the committee who has immense experience as the governor of Katsina State for eight years.
“We have confidence in you to do justice in what you are assigned to do. Ensure that you don’t leave some gaps to make us face some litigations either within the party or outside the party.”
Addressing newsmen after his screening, Chukwuma described himself as the most qualified to fly the flag of the party.
The former APC National Auditor also backed the party’s decision to adopt the indirect primaries option.
He said, “I came prepared for the screening, and I am happy it went well. I am ready for the primary and also hopeful to be elected. I’m also convinced that the APC will win the Anambra election. I am very comfortable with either the direct or indirect primaries, or any other option for that matter.
“I have worked very hard to develop the party, and I am happy our people are ready to support me. I am the oldest of all the aspirants, each of who is eminently qualified to govern the state. But I have an edge because I am the most qualified.”
Aside from Chukwuma, two others – Okonkwo and Ukachukwu- were screened on Friday.
The remaining four aspirants would appear before the panel on Saturday.
