The two disqualified PDP aspirants are to forfeit the N40 million each paid for the expression of interest and nomination forms.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disqualified two aspirants among the 17 seeking its presidential ticket.
The two disqualified aspirants are to forfeit the N40 million each paid for the expression of interest and nomination forms.
The chairman of the presidential screening committee, Senator David Mark, announced the disqualification of the two aspirants on Friday evening.
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Mark however declined a request by journalists to reveal the identities of the affected aspirants and the reason(s) for their disqualification.
When asked if the screening committee made any recommendation to the party to refund the N80 million nomination fees paid by the aspirants, Mark said: “Why should the party refund the money?”
The 17 aspirants that appeared for the screening today include former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar; and former Speaker, House of Representatives and Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State.
Former Presidents of the Senate, Bukola Saraki and Anyim Pius Anyim; and governors of Bauchi, Bala Mohammed; Rivers, Nyesom Wike; Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel; and former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, are also in the pack.
Others include former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; a US-based medical doctor, Nwachukwu Anakwenze; media mogul, Dele Momodu; and an investment banker and Economist, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
A Pharmacist, Mr Sam Ohuabunwa, former Speakers of Abia House of Assembly, Cosmos Ndukwe and Chikwendu Kalu; an Estate Developer, Mr Charles Ugwu; as well as the only female aspirant in the race, Tareila Diana; were also among those being screened.
Meanwhile, Anyim, former Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and a frontline aspirant said the screening was designed to verify the candidates’ membership and financial status, academic credentials, and other requirements for a presidential candidate as spelled out in the constitution.