All Progressives Congress (APC) has raked in N120 million from the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms to four aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket in the October 27 shadow election.
The aspirants are the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, whose forms were purchased by members of Ekiti State University Alumni Association, led by Dipo Bamisheyi, an engineer; and human rights activist and politician, Abimbola Olajumoke.
A delegation of APC stakeholders led by the pioneer Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Kolawole Adeyemi, secured the forms for Kayode Ojo, the pro-chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), while Mrs. Omolayo Oluremi completes the pack of aspirants.
Sources within the Finance Directorate of the party at Muhammadu Buhari House – APC national headquarters in Abuja, yesterday said the party realised N50 million each from the two male aspirants, while the female aspirants coughed out N10 million each.
Each of them paid N40 million for nomination form, while N10 million went for the expression of interest form.
In line with the party’s policy of ensuring inclusivity for women, the party waived payment for nomination form for the female aspirants, but they are to pay the mandatory N10 military expression of interest form.
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The sale of nomination and expression of interest forms for the governorship position closed on September 2, while the last day for submission of completed forms, and accompanying documents is fixed for tomorrow.
The party will conduct its primary election on October 27.
Governor Oyebanji, who was the first to obtain the forms, is expected to be the first to submit his nomination and expression of interest forms to the party’s Organising department today by 2pm.
A large, fully air-conditioned tent hall has been mounted at the party’s headquarters at Blantrye Street, Wuse 2, Abuja for the ceremony.
Sources close to the governor said he would be accompanied by major stakeholders in the state to submit the forms ahead of the party’s primary election slated for next month.
Those expected on Oyebanji’s entourage include members of the executive council, traditional rulers, religious and student leaders, market women and artisans.