The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is considering an extension for the sale of its expression of interest and nomination forms for the Anambra State governorship primary, amid concerns over the party’s participation in the November 8 election.
Originally set to run from February 26 to March 5, the sale of forms was priced at 5 million naira for expression of interest and 35 million naira for nomination.
However, reports indicate that no aspirants have purchased the nomination forms so far, prompting the party to consider extending the deadline to March 12.
Party insiders attribute the lack of interest to an ongoing leadership tussle between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye over the position of PDP National Secretary.
The Court of Appeal in Enugu had ruled in December that Ude-Okoye was the rightful nominee, but Anyanwu has since taken the matter to the Supreme Court.
Speaking on the issue, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed the party’s plan to extend the sale of forms but dismissed claims that no forms had been sold.
“We are extending the deadline to allow wider participation. That is the spirit of democracy,” Ologunagba said.
“The claim that no aspirants have obtained forms is incorrect. If that is reported, it would amount to fake news.”
He further stated that the extension was a routine decision and had no connection to the Supreme Court dispute over the national secretary position.
The party is expected to officially announce the new deadline in the coming days.
