The All Progressives Congress has disqualified 14 aspirants from contesting its House of Representatives primary elections holding nationwide on Saturday.
APC spokesperson Felix Morka said the aspirants took part in the screening exercise but did not get clearance. The screening was done by the party’s committees following set rules.
Those barred include candidates from Ondo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kogi and Rivers states. In Ondo, they include Adefisoye Tajudeen for Idanre/Ifedore and several aspirants for Akoko constituencies. Others are Bashir Bello for Darazo/Ganjuwa in Bauchi, Idu Igariwe for Afikpo-Edda in Ebonyi, and Sanni Ogembe for Okene/Ogori/Magongo in Kogi.
In Rivers, the list includes John Opara for Port Harcourt, Anderson Igbiki for Okrika/Ogu/Bolo, Awaji Abirite for Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro, and Boma Goodhead for Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru.
The party also clarified that members do not need proof of dues payment to vote in the primaries. Morka said all registered members can participate, and the proof of payment rule only applies to aspirants and their nominators during nomination and screening.
APC urged members to ignore contrary reports and allow eligible members to vote peacefully.
