2023: APC extends deadline for submission of forms for Jonathan, others

Barring any last-minute change of plans, the ruling All Progressives Congress APC is set to extend its deadline for submission of forms in order to allow ample opportunity for its presidential aspirants to return their nomination and expression of interest forms, Vanguard has learned.

While the sale of forms officially closed on Tuesday, indications emerged on Wednesday that the party will also extend the exercise till Friday.

The submission of forms was scheduled to be a one-day event but party sources said some of the high-profile aspirants, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, were yet to turn in the documents as of noon on Wednesday.

“A lot is required to fill the presidential forms and some of them picked the forms late. So, we reckon that one day will not be enough for some of those who picked the forms close to the deadline. So, there is a proposal for extension and I am sure that a formal announcement would be made in that regard”, said one of the party sources.

When contacted, National Publicity Secretary of the parry, Barr. Felix Morka said both the sales and submission of forms have now been extended till Friday.

He did not however advance reasons for the decision.

Meanwhile, Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Nigeria, Pastor Tunde Bakare has pledged to abide by the rules governing the conduct of the All Progressives Congress APC Presidential Convention, expressing faith in God to clinch the party’s ticket.

Bakare stated this on Wednesday in Abuja shortly after submitting his presidential expression of interest and nomination forms.

Stating that he has so far complied with the rules of the game, the cleric said the onus is now on the party to execute other activities on its timelines.

He said; “Anyone who participates in a race must run according to the rules. We have fulfilled our own side and it is now for the party to set the stage and to tell us what next. They will determine what next.

“What I know for now is that there will be screening and after screening for those who may have appeal, they will appeal and thereafter, there will be primary and by the grace of God, we have decided to run according to the rules and we expect to win by His special grace.

“My chances are as bright as that of any person. I am eminently qualified either by age or experience or everything that counts in this race and I trust God that I will emerge the winner”, he added.

Bakare also expressed commitment to the realization of a new Nigeria in his life time, promising to be the bridge between the past, present and the future.

In a related development, a national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday submitted his presidential expression of interest and nomination forms.

The nomination forms were submitted on his behalf by a team of his supporters led by the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.

A support group – Tinubu Support Group TSG had earlier picked the nomination forms for the May 30 APC Presidential primary.

Addressing journalists after submitting the forms, the former SGF said even though Tinubu is in the race to win, he remained a democrat and would not upset the applecart if he loses.

He said; “We feel elated that today we have come to submit the winning form and we have complied with one of the major requirements of the party for contesting for presidency on the platform of APC. We have done all that is required we have submitted all the required documents. As you can see, we have received our acknowledgement copy and we are confident victory will be ours come 30th May during the convention.

“We are democrats and we believe that if there are one million contestants on the platform of APC we will carry majority of the delegates at the convention. So, the more the merrier, they are all welcome. We are 100% prepared.

“There are no challenges. We are politicians, we have been in this game for many years. Whatever challenges there are, we have already converted them into opportunities.

“Asiwaju is a democrat. Every politician should not be afraid of the election because the probabilities are two: either you win or lose. So, if we lose at the convention we go back home, we lick our wounds and prepare to support the winner if he emerges in a free and fair manner”, he added.

Also, former Governor of Zamfara state, Senator Ahmad Sani Yarima who submitted his presidential expression of interest and nomination forms on Wednesday, said he comes to the race adequately equiped to turn around the fortunes of Nigerians.

Promising to tackle the challenge of insecurity, Senator Yarima said he would mobilize the youths for rapid industrialization of the country. Vanguard