The sale of nomination forms by the ruling All Progressives Congress has been extended by two days to make up for the two days public holiday declared by the federal government last week.
The implication is that doors are still opened for more aspirants or their ‘organised’ representatives to come and pick firms on their behalf.
Some political watchers say the aspirants for president might reach 30 or more by the time they will be appearing for screening on Saturday
According to a three-paragraph statement from the ruling party, although the original deadline for sale of forms was yesterday, the two work-free days observed last week were said to have encroached into the original timetable. Hence, the extension
Following the new submission date, the party has fixed Saturday May 14 and Sunday May 15 for screening of all aspirants that have returned their duly completed and signed nomination and expression of interest forms to the APC Secretariat,” it added.
But, the development has continued to attract negative comments.
Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, His Grace Matthew Hassan Kukah has expressed worry over the huge amounts being charged presidential aspirants by the two major political parties, APC and PDP. Kukah said the country was walking the fine line between democracy and plutocracy, but might soon jettison the former.
Robert Clarke, who sees it as akin to sowing seed, said they are expected to reap bountifully at the end of the day.
Most Nigerians say besides the ‘war chest’ argument for 2023 election, the ‘pool would provide buffer for bulldozing their way, anyhow,’.
