Headlines
PDP’s Presidential Aspirants Hit 13, More Coming as Party Harvests N486m from Form Sales
By Derrick Bangura
With 13 presidential aspirants picking forms, the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has harvested N486 million from the sales of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to these aspirants.
The PDP on Friday also extended the collection of all nomination forms to April 8, thereby leaving a window open for more presidential aspirants to pick forms.
This is coming on the heels of the declaration by the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, in Abuja that President Muhammadu Buhari had given the new National Working Committee (NWC) of the party marching orders to deliver the 2023 general elections.
PDP’s presidential nomination form costs N35 million while the Expression of Interest form is N5 million, making a total of N40 million per aspirant. However, female presidential aspirants pay N1 million and N5 million respectively for nomination and the Expression of Interest forms.
The only female aspirant in the race, Oliver Tareila Diana purchased her presidential nomination form in person last Wednesday, making her the 13th aspirant.
Others that have purchased the PDP presidential forms are former vice president Atiku Abubakar; former senate president Bukola Saraki; former secretary to the government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim and the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed.
Others are Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State; a United States based medical doctor, Nwachukwu Anakwenze; newspaper publisher, Dele Momodu; Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; investment banker and economist, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen; former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel and a pharmacist, Sam Ohuabunwa.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba defended the large number of presidential aspirants that purchased forms, saying, “the more the merrier.”
Ologunagba said the large number shows that Nigerians see the capabilities of the party as the only one capable of rescuing Nigeria from the abyss and misrule of the APC.
Though at press time, the party is yet to officially zone its Presidential ticket. It has set up a 37-man committee chaired by the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom to resolve this. The committee is expected to come up with its report between now and next week.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has also approved the extension of sales of Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms for all elective offices in the 2023 general elections from the initial date set yesterday, April 1, 2022 to a new date of Friday, April 8, 2022.
In a statement issued by Ologunagba, the party said the last day for the return of already completed forms is now April 10.
The screening for both the State House of Assembly and National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) will be held from April 12 to April 14.
All other dates remain as already published, the PDP stated.
The financial fortune of the party is also expected to rise with the sale of forms to governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly aspirants.
With the guidelines released, PDP members aspiring for the governorship seat are to cough out N21 million, with the expression of interest form pegged at N1 million while nomination form is N20 million.
Senatorial aspirants will pay N500,000 for expression of interest and N3 million for nomination form, totaling N3.5 million.
Also, the House of Representatives’ aspirants will pay N2.5 million, with expression of interest at N500,000 and nomination form at N2 million.
Those aspiring for State House of Assembly will pay N100,000 for expression of interest form and N500,000 for nomination form.
The party equally approved a 50 per cent reduction in nomination fees for youths aged 25 to 30 years for various elective positions.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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