Anambra PDP Governorship Race In Chaos: No Aspirant Willing To Pay ₦40 Million Nomination Fee Amid Crisis

So far, no aspirant has come forward to purchase the ₦40 million expression of interest and nomination forms for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

Originally, the PDP had scheduled the sale of forms from February 24 to March 5, with a submission deadline set for March 7. The party’s governorship primary is slated for April 5, followed by an appeal committee meeting on April 8.

However, a senior party insider, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that ongoing internal crises have dissuaded potential candidates from participating.

“As of now, no one has bought the PDP nomination forms for Anambra. The instability within the party has made aspirants hesitant to make such a significant financial commitment. The crisis has eroded the party’s influence at various levels, making potential candidates cautious,” the source explained.

Deadline Extension Amid Growing Concerns

In response to the lack of interest, another party official shared that the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) has extended the deadline for form purchases to March 10, hoping to encourage participation.

“The NWC is reviewing the situation, and a revised timetable will be released later this week. The deadline for purchasing forms has been pushed to March 10,” the official revealed.

Additionally, a stakeholders’ meeting with the NWC is scheduled for March 10 at the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

Internal Power Struggles and Court Battles Deepen PDP Crisis

The PDP’s internal struggles have intensified due to a power tussle over the National Secretary position, with Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye vying for control. A Supreme Court ruling on the matter is expected on March 10.

Tensions within the party further escalated after a controversial South-South zonal congress on February 22, which reportedly lacked approval from PDP governors, deepening divisions within the Board of Trustees (BoT), National Working Committee (NWC), and National Executive Committee (NEC).

PDP’s National Deputy Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, acknowledged the party’s internal conflicts but remained optimistic about the party’s prospects in Anambra.

“I’m not surprised by the situation, but I know the National Organising Secretary has already initiated the process for the governorship election,” Osuoha told Punch.

While acknowledging that the ongoing litigation and factional disputes have discouraged aspirants, he emphasized that the PDP remains a powerful force.

“Yes, there are issues from the congresses, but PDP still has structures across the country, and these matters will be resolved soon. Anambra has always been politically challenging, but things will improve,” he added.

However, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, argued that the broader lack of trust in Nigeria’s electoral process is another reason why aspirants are reluctant to enter the race.

“People are tired of investing millions in an electoral process that lacks credibility. Even if you win fairly, political interference from the presidency can overturn results. That’s why many are hesitant,” Osadolor explained.