The six All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) aspirants for the November 16 Anambra State governorship election disqualified yesterday by the party’s Screening Committee are expected to take their case to the Screening Appeal Committee sitting at the APGA National Secretariat in Wuse, Abuja, today.

They include former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and immediate past Secretary to Anambra State Government, Hon. Oseloka Obaze, both of whom are regarded by political analysts as APGA’s best materials for the election. Others are Emmanuel Nweke, Ogbuefi Tony Nnaechetta, Chinedu Francis Idigo, and Dr. Chike Obidigbo.

A statement signed by APGA National Secretary, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, indicated that the Screening Appeal Committee chaired by Chief Tony Ojielo would sit today. Other members of the committee are Barrister Bala Bako (Secretary), High Chief Ogometu Ukpenetu, Hajia Hadiza Gogori Aliyu and Dr. Mic Adams II.

The three-man Screening Panel headed by Alhaji Tayo Sowunmi, with Barrister Ifeanyi Mbaeri as Secretary and Chief Onwuka Ukwa as Member had okayed only seven aspirants, namely, Hon. Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Nwogbo, Paul Odenigbo, Hon. Uche Lillian Ekwunife, Chief Willie Obiano, John Nwosu, John Okechukwu Emeka and Nwachi Patrick Obianwu.

Soludo and the five others were disqualified for reasons that include alleged non-presentation voter’s card, lack of evidence of financial strength to execute the campaign, incomplete certificate and insbility to submit tax clearance.

The disqualified aspirants have, however, indicated their readiness to appeal the decision.

Obaze said in a short statement: “I have just received a Provisional Certificate from the APGA Gubernatorial Screening Panel advising that I have not been cleared due to a technicality. I intend to revert to the Screening Appeal Panel in due course and within the window allotted for the appeal process. I remain optimistic that this temporary setback will be duly addressed.”

On his part, said: “The outcome of the screening came as a surprise to me but I am going to prepare my appeal immediately and submit to the Appeal Panel.”

•Photo shows Soludo.

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