Over 163 APGA Aspirants Weigh Consensus Option Ahead of Anambra Primaries

All 163 cleared aspirants of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State are holding talks on adopting consensus candidates ahead of Saturday’s state and National Assembly primaries.

The development follows the release of the party’s final list of cleared aspirants, which rose from 155 to 163 after six more candidates were cleared for the three legislative levels. The breakdown shows 109 aspirants for the State House of Assembly, 44 for the House of Representatives, and 10 for the Senate.

For the state assembly race, there are indications that up to 43 of the 109 aspirants may step down for preferred candidates following a meeting of all contenders. 

Discussions are also reportedly underway among some of the 44 House of Representatives aspirants. A party source said part of the arrangement being considered is that any candidate who emerges through consensus would serve only one term.

No such arrangement has emerged for the senatorial primaries, where the 10 aspirants are said to be set for a direct contest at the polls.

When contacted, APGA National Publicity Secretary Mazi Ejimofor Opara said the party was not aware of any consensus moves. He noted that no aspirant had formally notified the party of such an arrangement.

“There is no such information with us, but there is nothing wrong with consensus because it is enshrined in the Electoral Act,” Opara said. 

He added that if aspirants reach an agreement, the party should be informed early to ensure proper coordination. 

“If that is made possible, the party needs to be informed early enough for us to be abreast with what the aspirants are doing,” he said.