The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday inaugurated two committees to screen aspirants contesting for the party’s governorship primaries on August 29, preparatory for the governorship election in November.
The National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole who inaugurated the committees in Abuja, urged them to do the proper screening. According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the party has scheduled Aug. 22 and Aug.23 for the committees to screen the aspirants.
While Sen. Hope Uzodinma leads the seven-member committee to screen aspirants in Kogi, the committee for aspirants in Bayelsa is chaired by Sen. Abdullahi Gumen.
The APC Chairman admonished the committees to request clarification from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party if in doubt of claims or contradictions by any aspirant.
“You (committee) need to do proper screening and ensure that those who passed the screening are likely to be able to stand the test, not only of winning election but will not be challenged after victory.
“We have couple of cases where people claimed what they did not have or they sworn affidavits such that they have two, three ages, depending on what they sworn affidavits for.
“We have a recent case in Taraba where APC candidate who went through entire process had his candidature nullified at the Supreme Court on account of falsification of age.
“If you notice contradiction, identify them for clarification because if you fail to clarify, there is still another road block.
“The opponent can point out those contradictions and our party’s candidature might be in jeopardy. So, it is an exercise that is extremely important.
“Some people make claims to certain qualifications. They should have body proof to establish them before you and if you are in doubt, please amplify it to us, particularly with NWC, with appropriate recommendation,” he said.
According to him, the committees should look put for eligibility of aspirants which includes financial membership of the aspirants, adding that such aspirant’s membership must exceed one year.
