The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has raked in N258.27 million from the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms by 12 governorship aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket at the July 20th governorship primary.
A breakdown showed that the incumbent governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and 10 other male aspirants paid N247:50 million at the rate of N22.5 million per expression of interest and nomination form by each aspirant.
The only female aspirant on the list, Mrs. Olajumoke Olubusola Anifowoshe, however, paid N11.25 million.
This is in line with the guideline in the time table and schedule of activities for the conduct of 2020 governorship primary election in Ondo State as released by the party.
From the guidelines expression of interest form was sold at N2.5 million while the nomination form went for N20 million.
At the close of submission of expression of interest and nomination forms on Thursday, the 12 aspirants obtained and submitted their forms.
Top on the list is the incumbent governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu, who is seeking for a second-term mandate.
Three aspirants who contested for the party’s ticket with the incumbent in 2016 primary election, Chief Olusola Oke, Dr. Michael Olusegun Abraham and Chief Olubukola Adetula are also in the race again for the party’s ticket.
Also in the race is the founding state chairman of the party, Chief Isaac Duerimini Kekemeke, former deputy clerk of the National Assembly, Chief Olayide Adelami, Amb. Olusola Iji, Odimayo Okunjiml, Ifeoluwa Olusola Oyedele, Awodeyi Akinsehinwa Akinola and Dr. Nathaniel Olumuyiwa Adojutelegan.
The only female aspirant in the pack, Mrs. Anifowoshe, is the daughter of the first executive governor of the old Ones State, Chief Adekunle Ajasin.
Meanwhile, the publication of claims and objections for the aspirants is slated for Monday and Tuesday July 6 and 7, while the screening of the aspirants holds on Wednesday July 8.
The screening appeal comes up on Friday July 10.
The Ondo State APC governorship primary election holds on Monday July 20 and election appeal is scheduled for Wednesday July 22.