The All Progressives Congress screened 24 aspirants for the 2027 Enugu State House of Assembly elections on Monday. Lucky Porki, chairman of the APC House of Assembly Screening Committee, announced the development at a press briefing in Enugu. He stated the committee was appointed by the party's national leadership to vet candidates seeking APC tickets for the 24 state constituencies.
Mr Porki said the expression of interest and nomination forms closed with exactly 24 aspirants, one for each constituency. He noted the one-to-one ratio simplified the process but emphasized all candidates would undergo rigorous screening. This includes verification of their records and eligibility to hold office.
"We will thoroughly screen them – their records and credentials – to ensure that they are qualified to serve the people of Enugu State in the capacity they aspire to," Mr Porki said. He credited Governor Peter Mbah, the Enugu State APC leader, and the State Executive Committee for fostering unity and consensus. He described the party's internal process in Enugu as exemplary.
"The Enugu State formula is a virtue worthy of emulation," Mr Porki added. He affirmed the screening would follow due process as outlined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, and APC guidelines. An appeals committee will be activated to handle complaints arising from the exercise.
Mr Porki appreciated the APC National Working Committee for constituting the panel and acknowledged the support of the Enugu State chairman and executive.
Lucky Porki praises Enugu APC for a consensus that produced exactly one aspirant per seat, yet still insists on screening to confirm eligibility. If the process was truly harmonious and fully endorsed by the state leadership, the outcome appears predetermined. The screening may serve more as a formality than a genuine vetting. This raises questions about the value of competition within the party's primary system.
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