The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been forced to extend the deadline for the sale of its expression of interest (EOI) and nomination forms for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, following a lack of interest from aspirants.
Initially set between February 26 and March 5, the sale of forms, priced at ₦5 million for EOI and ₦35 million for nominations, has now been extended to March 12, sources revealed.
No Aspirants Yet as Internal Crisis Deepens
Reports indicate that no aspirants have purchased the nomination forms, raising concerns over the party’s preparedness for the November 8 election. Party insiders attribute this to the ongoing leadership tussle between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye over the PDP National Secretary position.
A December ruling by the Court of Appeal (Enugu Division) recognized Ude-Okoye as the legitimate occupant of the office, but Anyanwu has since taken the matter to the Supreme Court. This dispute has reportedly discouraged potential candidates from stepping forward.
PDP Denies Poor Sales, Confirms Deadline Extension
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed to Daily Sun that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) decided to extend the deadline but dismissed claims that no forms had been sold.
“We want to give more room for participation. That is the essence of democracy,” Ologunagba stated. “It is incorrect to say no one has collected forms. If that is part of your report, then it is fake news.”
He stressed that the extension was a routine decision unrelated to the leadership crisis, adding that an official statement would be released soon.
PDP Reschedules Zonal Congresses Amidst Uncertainty
Meanwhile, the PDP has shifted the dates for its zonal congresses in three geopolitical regions, South South, South West, and North Central, to April 12, 2025.
According to a statement by Ologunagba, the congresses will take place in Port Harcourt (South South), Ibadan (South West), and Jos (North Central), where party officials and national ex-officio members will be elected.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) has approved that the postponed South South zonal congress will now hold on April 12, 2025. The South West and North Central congresses, previously scheduled for March 22, will also take place on April 12,” the statement read.
The party had earlier nullified a controversial South South congress where Chief Dan Orbih was re-elected as national vice chairman. The event, backed by stakeholders including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, was declared invalid by the NWC, which appointed a seven-member caretaker committee to oversee the zone’s affairs pending a fresh congress.
With the Anambra election fast approaching and internal disputes unresolved, the PDP faces an uphill battle to position itself as a strong contender in the race.
