The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday screened its sole presidential aspirant, Sandy Onor, and 25 governorship aspirants from 17 states.
Bellnews reports that the screening exercise was held at the PDP Legacy House in Abuja.
In a statement signed by its National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, the party said it was continuing its electoral processes following the resolution of its leadership crisis by the Supreme Court.
Nnorom said the court affirmed the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee.
She stated, “The PDP will screen only one presidential candidate and 25 governorship aspirants from 17 states. Others are still perfecting their documentation for another screening opportunity.”
The party said the presidential screening committee was chaired by Okezie Ikpeazu, while the governorship screening committee was headed by Ahmed Makarfi.
Onor Backs Subsidy Removal
Speaking after the exercise, Onor backed President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a bold decision that freed funds for development.
He said, “Nigerians universally agreed that subsidy was a problem and a bastion of corruption.
“This president came on his very first day in office, removed the subsidy and released a lot of funds for development.”
Onor, however, called for greater accountability in the management of the funds.
A Plateau governorship aspirant, Kefiano Ropshik, said he had been screened and cleared to participate in the party’s primary.
He said, “Earlier today, I was at PDP Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, for my screening exercise, another significant stride in this noble journey to serve the good people of Plateau State as their Governor.
“The vision is clear, the resolve is unwavering, and the mission continues.”
A Nasarawa aspirant, David Ombugadu, claimed he won the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections in the state, citing results uploaded on the INEC iREV portal.
He urged the media and civil society organisations to play stronger roles in protecting votes during elections.
Other aspirants screened included Kelechi Anosike, Onuogbu Ogba, Kayode Ogunshola, Hazeem Gbolarumi, Samson Nnamani, Mustapha Lamido, David Emmanuel, Oladimeji Hassan, Alex Ladan, Adamu Ahmed, Suleiman Kawu and Mohammed Bello.
The party said its governorship primaries would hold on May 24, while the presidential primary is scheduled for May 26.