By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has realized a total of N486 million from the 13 aspirants who have so far purchased its presidential nomination and expression of interest forms as yesterday, ahead of its presidential primaries on May 28, this year .
A breakdown of the 13 aspirants showed that there are 12 males and one female.
Each of the aspirants paid the prescribed fees of N40 million to obtain the expression of interest and nomination forms, except Mrs. Diana Oliver who paid only N6 million expression of interest and rebranding form.
The PDP normally waives payment of nomination fees for women aspirants on its platform.
Among the thirteen aspirants are; former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, immediate past Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, Sokoto State Governor, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed as well as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and erstwhile Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.
Others include; Rivers State Governor, Mr Nyeson Wike, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, an industrialist, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and former Presidential Adviser, Alhaji Hayatudeen Mohammed among others.
Already, the National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has 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 of Friday, April 1, 2022 to a new date of Friday, April 8, 2022.
Similarly,, the last dates for the return of already completed forms as well as the screening exercise for both the State House of Assembly and National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) have been rescheduled.
A statement signed by Debo Ologunagba, national publicity secretary of the party noted that completed State House of Assembly and National Assembly forms are to be returned on Sunday, April 10, 2022 by 6pm.
While State of Assembly aspirants are to be screened on Tuesday April 12, 2022; National Assembly aspirants will be screened on April 14.
