Twenty-six aspirants from four parties have so far indicated interest to contest the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.
Findings by 21st Century Chronicle show that the pack, comprising 25 males and one female, are jostling to lead the state under the platforms of the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Young Progressive Party (YPP).
PDP is leading in the army of the aspirants with 13 chieftains. They are Zeribe Ezeanuna, Chinua Valentine Ozigbo, Chris Azuboigu, Chuma Nzeribe, Goddy Maduka, Godwin Ezeemo, Harry Oranezi, Ifedi Okwenna, Obiora Okonkwo, Uche Oligbo, Uche Ekwunife, Ugochukwu Okeke, and Winston Ude. Senator Ukwunife is the only female aspirant in the contest.
George Moghalu is leading the eight other APC aspirants that include Andy Uba, Azuka Okwuosa, Ben Etiaba, Geoff Onyejegbu, Chidozie Nwankwo, Johnbosco Unukwu, Nnamdi Nnoruka and Paul Orajiaka.
APGA, the ruling party in the state, has former Central Bank Governor Charles Soludo and two others, Stanley Uzochukwu and Nicholas Ukachukwu.
Senator Ifeanyi Uba is the lone ranger in YPP.
Already, seven PDP aspirants have purchased forms to contest the poll. Only PDP is known to have begun the sale of expression of interest forms on March 6. APC, APGA and YPP are yet to commence sale of forms.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will, between June 10 and July 1, distribute Forms EC9 and EC9b for political parties to nominate candidates for the election as required by Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010.
