APC rakes in massive ₦504m from Edo Assembly election forms

By Jethro Ibileke

The All Progressives Congress in Edo State has generated a massive ₦504 million from the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 Edo State House of Assembly election.

The party raised the amount after 84 aspirants purchased forms to contest for the 24 constituency seats in the state, with each aspirant paying ₦6 million to secure participation in the party’s primary election.

The development emerged on Saturday during the screening of aspirants held at the APC State Secretariat along Ikpokpan Road in the Government Reservation Area of Benin City.

The exercise attracted a large turnout of party leaders, supporters and security personnel as aspirants from the 18 local government areas arrived at the venue as early as 8am for accreditation and verification of credentials.

Speaking during the screening, Chairman of the Screening Committee, Emmanuel Okoebor, said the process was aimed at ensuring that only qualified and credible aspirants participate in the party’s primaries.

Okoebor stated that serving lawmakers seeking re election were asked to take a bow before the committee since their credentials had already been submitted and verified ahead of the exercise.

He assured aspirants that the screening would be conducted with fairness, transparency and strict adherence to the party’s constitution as well as electoral guidelines.

“We are committed to ensuring a transparent and credible process that will produce the best candidates for the party,” Okoebor said.

Some of the aspirants who spoke with journalists praised the peaceful and orderly conduct of the screening, describing the exercise as professional and well organised.

The huge revenue generated from the sale of forms reflects the intense political interest surrounding next year’s Assembly election in Edo State, with competition already building across the 24 constituencies.

Political observers say the large number of aspirants contesting under the APC platform signals an early battle for control of the state legislature as parties begin strategic preparations ahead of the general election.