presidential candidate to be picked in January 14 by ANPP

 Bashir Othman Tofa
The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) may pick its presidential candidate for the 2011 general elections on Friday January 14, 2011 , this was learnt in Abuja yesterday.

The presidential primaries will hold a day to the January 15 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for parties to hold their primaries. Among those seeking the ticket of the party to vie for the nation’s highest office are the governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), Bashir Tofa, who is also from Kano; Harry Akande,a businessman from Oyo State; and Dauda Birma, a former minister from Adamawa State.

Also, the National Assembly candidates may emerge on Saturday January 8 , 2010 while Tuesday January 11, has been fixed for the primary election of the governorship and state houses of assembly candidates.

The dates of the primaries are, however, subject to ratification by the National Executive Committee (NEC), which meets today in Abuja. The National Working Committee (NWC)pick the dates at its meeting in Abuja last Monday. It was presided over by the national chairman, Ogbonnaya Onu.

Although, the details of the decisions taken at the meeting, which lasted hoursare still sketchy, it was gathered that the NWC members agreed not to attend the formal declaration of any candidate for any of the elective position.

Our source said the decision was taken to forestall suspicion that they are rooting for any particular candidate. It,however, resolved to back and campaign for all candidates that will emerge after the primaries in accordance with the party’s constitution.

It was further gathered that the working committee decided that the party will keep its doors open to other parties who may enter into alliance to brighten its electoral chances. This is also in view of the fact that some aspirants who have popularity in some parts of the country may decide to defect to the ANPP.

The party spokesman, Emma Eneukwu confirmed yesterday that the NEC will meet today to ratify the decisions of the NWC. However, he said the dates for the governorship and the other primary election are not too clear for now.

“Yes, I think the presidential primaries will hold on January 14, but I can not readily say when the others are holding until after the NEC meeting tomorrow,” Mr Eneukwu said
Source:234next.com