By Thompson Agu, Abuja
Ahead of political party primaries especially in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, scheduled to hold in few months time for the 2015 election, there are strong indications that the elimination of aspirants for several elective positions especially, the governorship position will start with form collection.
Our correspondent in Abuja reliably learnt from top party sources that the national office of the party is worried about the number of persons that have declared interest to run for the governorship position hence the decision to jerk up the fees paid by aspirants to scare numerous persons from “rocking the boat.
The top source who operates at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, where the national secretariat of PDP is situated disclosed that the case of Imo is disturbing the national leadership adding that adequate measures are under way to separate pretenders from contenders.
“I can confirm to you that the amount for anybody willing to contest for PDP ticket for Imo governor will not be less than N20m aside other charges. This is to start elimination early and know those capable of challenging and removing Okorocha. We went to ensure unity than trouble by going for early elimination”, the source who pleaded anonymity expressed
Trumpeta learnt that unlike other states, PDP needs a governorship candidate that has what it takes to stand against the incumbent. In this regard, an amount said to be about N20m will be the asking price for the governorship ticket of the party.
According to the source, the non refundable fee of N20m will be used to scare some aspirants who may not be able to cough out such a huge sum meant only for party form.
There are not less than 18 aspirants seeking to have PDP ticket for Imo governorship come 2015. The N20m is to scare the lily-livered and unsure aspirants to drop their ambition. Aside from the N20m, other minor expenses to stop some contenders from going ahead to run. Trumpeta learnt will be included later.
No member of the state Exco of PDP was willing to speak to the reporter, rather he advised Trumpeta reporter to wait for guidelines as it is still premature to state amounts to be paid.
