From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
ALL Progressives Congress (APC) has raked in N99 million from the 18 governorship aspirants in Ondo State.
The money represents the total proceeds from the compulsory N5.5 million for expression of interest and nomination forms from each of the aspirant, except a lady who did not pay for the forms.
National Organising Secretary of the party, Senator Osita Izunaso made the disclosure yesterday while inaugurating the screening and appeal committees at the APC headquarters in Abuja.
“The assignment of members of this screening committee is a serious one. They are expected to look at the qualifications of the aspirants that have bought forms to contest for the Ondo State governorship.
“Their qualifications must be looked at in line with the 1999 Constitution and in line with our party’s guidelines as well. You must also make sure aspirants have paid the N5 million for the nomination form and N500,000 for the expression of interest form.
“There must be evidence of this payment. You must also look at the aspirant’s contributions to the party at ward, state and even at the national level. You must also look at their knowledge of the party’s manifesto,” he said.
The national organising secretary said the screening exercise was mandatory for all aspirants and aspirants are not to be screened by proxy.
Chairman of the Screening Committee, Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, expressed confidence that the APC will win the Ondo State governorship election, adding that all aspirants will be treated fairly and justly during the screening exercise.
Other members include Mr. Joe Igbokwe, Fatsuma Talba, Chief Felix Nwachukwu, Mr. Aminu Jacob Momoh, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar and Alhaji Umar Duhu (secretary).
Former speaker of House of Representatives, Agunwa Anaekwe, chairs the three-member screening appeal committee. Other members include Sadiq Abdullahi and Dr. Bashiru Ajibola (secretary).