The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Governorship Appeal committee on Saturday upheld disqualification of six aspirants on its platform.
Aside the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, others who failed earlier failed the screening include Mr. Emmanuel Nweke, Ogbuefi Tony Nnaechetta, Mr. Chinedu Francis Idigo, Dr. Chike Obidigbo and Mr. Oseloka Obaze.
A statement on Friday signed by the chairman of the Gubernatorial Screening panel, Alhaji Tayo Sowunmi, secretary, Mr. Ifeanyi Mbaeri, had confirmed the failure of the six aspirant’s to pass the interview.
The panel had disclosed that while the aspirants have been notified as to the reasons for their non-clearance in the provisional certificate issued to them after the exercise, they would be given another chance at the an appeal panel headed by Chief Tony Ojielo. But the Ojielo’s panel after hearing what they had to say, informed journalists that their aspirants’ appeal lacked merit and that the committee had no other option than to affirm their disqualification.
His words: “The panel considered the appeals of the following aspirants who failed the screening of the party for the Anambra guber election.
“It was our view that the screening panel touched on all the relevant aspects of the party’s electoral guidelines and affirmed the submissions of all the aspirants that met the requirements of these guidelines.
“Therefore we the members of the appeal panel found it unnecessary to change the decision of the screening committee. The appeals were therefore dismissed as lacking in merit.
Continuing, “As the chairman of the appeal panel, the party is always one, if you are vying for an election, you are trying to build the party, your making an input into the party. If you are not lucky to the candidate of the election, there is no reason whatsoever why you should abandon the party, rather you should stay and make input in the party tomorrow may be your day. This is what I tell our members all the time, no one person wins all battles.
“Can you imagine someone who wanted to contest election and he does not have a voters card, can you imagine someone who want to contest election and he does not have a party membership card.
According to the chairman, the guidelines for elections are peculiar to APGA adding that other parties and even government agencies adhere to certain requirements.
“In most cases there is a requirement for three year tax clearance.you must have paid you tax three years as and when due. Fortunately most of those who aspired to fly APGA’s flag in this gubernatorial election appeared to have paid their taxes. “
Other members of the appeal panel were Bala Bako, Secretary; Dr. Mic Adams; High Chief Ogometu Ukpenetus; and Hajia Hadiza Aliyu Gogori. The seven successful aspirants are: Hon. Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Nwogbo, Mr. Paul Odenigbo, Hon. Uche Lillian Ekwunife, Chief Willie Obiano, Mr. John Nwosu, Mr. John Okechukwu Emeka and Nwachi Patrick Obianwu.
Reacting after Friday’s disqualification, Soludo in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr. Bonaventure Melah, said he would accept the party’s decision and also remain a loyal member.
He added that he joined APGA to help build it into a formidable political party and will keep his eyes on that objective.
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