With the release of candidates’ names by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the various elective offices ahead of 2019, the coast appears clear over those who would be the standard-bearers for the governorship, national and state Houses of Assembly elections.

While those whose names made the list have rolled the drums to celebrate and get ready for the elections proper, grieving aspirants are considering plan ‘B’.

Many aggrieved aspirants in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have either gone to court or petitioned the ruling party for redress. Not a few heaved a sigh of relief when news broke last week that the national chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was grilled by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) over bribery allegations. To them, time had come for the combative comrade chairman to be shown the way out for a new leader that would address their grievances.

According to Daily Trust, many of the aggrieved aspirants within the ruling party in several states have activated their next political plans in order not to lose out in the power game.

Their next plans are said to be taking into account the window of replacement provided by the INEC, which has fixed the last day for withdrawal by candidate/replacement of candidates by political parties for November 17 (for presidential/National Assembly) while that of governorship and House of Assembly) is December.

•Excerpted from a Daily Trust report