Contrary to reports suggesting otherwise, 1,630 accredited delegates have gathered in Awka, Anambra State, to elect the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in an ongoing primary election.

As of Saturday evening, April 5, most of the delegates had been accredited and were awaiting the voting process. Seven aspirants had initially purchased nomination forms, but by 7 p.m., only four remained in the race.

Hon Nicolas Ukachukwu, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo, and Mr Edozie Madu are among the contenders still vying for the APC ticket.

Candidates who have stepped down

Meanwhile, three aspirants—Hon Chukwuma Umoeji, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and Prof Obiora Okwonko have officially withdrawn from the contest.

Senator Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the Anambra Governorship Primary Election Committee, held a series of meetings with various sub-committees earlier in the day to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process.

A visit to the election venue at Dr Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka on Saturday evening showed a peaceful atmosphere, with delegates making their way inside in order.

Security personnel were strategically positioned to maintain order.

With the voting process expected to commence soon, party stakeholders anticipate a free and fair contest that will produce a formidable candidate ahead of the Anambra governorship election.

The Forum of Economic Rights Activists (FERA) has accused the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of attempting to deceive Nigerians with what it describes as “irresponsible revisionism.”

In a statement by its President, Dr Moses Okino, FERA criticised Obi’s recent remarks on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, alleging that his statements about the current administration’s economic policies were misleading.

The group argued that Obi’s criticisms lacked depth and viable alternatives. It also dismissed his claim that corruption remains unchecked, citing the removal of the petrol subsidy as a significant anti-corruption measure.

FERA further accused Obi of attempting to rewrite his past, alleging that his tenure as Anambra governor was marked by exclusionary policies.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: APC under Tinubu has done well – Peter Obi

“The Forum of Economic Rights Activists is not surprised by Peter Obi’s posturing, which we believe is aimed at rewriting his history as the most terrible governor to have presided over Anambra State,” the statement read.

The group claimed Obi marginalised non-indigenous residents, favoured only his ethnic group in post-disaster compensations, and restricted state employment opportunities to specific regions.

FERA also dismissed Obi’s credibility, suggesting he had failed both in business and politics.

READ ALSO: I’m ready to work with Peter Obi – Bala Mohammed declares amid coalition talks

“Peter Obi only used the Labour Party as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), just as he would have used Nigeria as his ATM to revive his fortunes,” FERA alleged.

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The group warned Nigerians against believing Obi’s statements, predicting he would perform worse in the 2027 elections.

“Should any party allocate him a presidential ticket, he will poll even lower than in 2023 because Nigerians have seen through his lies,” it concluded.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculations of a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, refuting claims that the president is considering a new running mate for the 2027 elections.

Despite Tinubu not officially declaring his bid for re-election, party loyalists have begun rallying support for a potential second term.

However, recent reports of discord between Tinubu and Shettima have been described as baseless by party officials.

Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, APC’s National Director of Publicity, rejected the rumours, labeling them as “beer-parlour discussions” lacking any credible basis.

READ ALSO: Tinubu-Shetima’s Muslim-Muslim ticket has been a disappointment – Sharia council

“This is pure speculation without foundation. These are beer-parlour discussions that should not be taken seriously,” Ibrahim stated.

He added that any decision to replace the vice president would require extensive consultation with key stakeholders rather than unilateral action.

Meanwhile, political stakeholders from Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone have renewed their demand for either the presidency or vice presidency in the 2027 elections.

At a press conference in Abuja, leaders from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states, led by Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, called on major political parties to zone their presidential or vice-presidential tickets to the region.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the stakeholders argued that if the APC grants Tinubu the “right of first refusal” for the presidential ticket, the vice-presidential slot should be allocated to the North Central.

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Prof. K’tso highlighted the region’s political marginalisation since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, noting that it has never produced a democratically elected president or vice president.

READ ALSO: Pray for Tinubu for Nigeria’s peace and stability – Shettima

“Of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, only North Central and South East have not occupied the positions of president or vice president in the past 26 years of the Fourth Republic,” he stated, adding that the North Central’s case is worse than that of the South East, which produced Dr. Alex Ekwueme as vice president from 1979 to 1983.

However, the APC has dismissed the North Central’s demands, calling them premature and unrealistic.

Ibrahim described the request as “dead on arrival,” arguing that the region’s electoral contribution is lower compared to zones like the North West.

“The North Central should not see the presidency or vice presidency as a right, especially given its relatively lower electoral contribution compared to zones like the North West,” Ibrahim said, adding that such discussions should only take place after Tinubu completes his first term.