PDP Struggles to Attract Aspirants for Anambra Governorship Election

Abuja, NIGERIA —The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has failed to sell any of its nomination and expression of interest forms for the upcoming Anambra governorship election, despite announcing the commencement of sales over a week ago. Attracting no interest from potential candidates, the party’s leadership turmoil, particularly the unresolved battle over the position of national secretary, is believed to be discouraging aspirants. The lack of participation contrasts sharply with previous elections, where aspirants eagerly sought nomination forms, raising concerns about the party’s preparedness for the November 2025 election.

As of press time, no aspirant has stepped forward to purchase the forms, which are priced at N40 million.

However, with the dispute still pending before the Supreme Court, some party insiders believe that aspirants may be hesitant to enter the race until the issue is resolved.

The PDP had earlier announced that the sale of forms would run from Monday, February 24, to Wednesday, March 5, with a submission deadline set for Friday, March 7, 2025. However, as the deadline approaches, the lack of interest from aspirants continues to raise questions about the party’s strength and readiness for the governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has already completed its nomination process. The party closed the sale and submission of forms on Thursday last week, attracting seven aspirants who collectively paid N350 million, with each purchasing forms at N50 million.

Reacting to the situation, Timothy Osadolor, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, dismissed concerns, insisting that the party remains strong in Anambra and that the primary election is still weeks away.

He said: “The PDP in Anam­bra is very strong and viable. Primary is still a month plus away. No party is not interest­ed in producing the governor of a very important state like Anambra.

“Serious politicians know for a fact that only a platform like the PDP has the spread and character to do elections in tough climes as we are in now currently under President Tinubu.

“We are noticing apathy in the process in Anambra already, after the shameful ex­cuse of an election that INEC conducted in Edo and Ondo and the role in Rivers and Osun local government elections.

“Nigerians are further con­vinced that this government does not mean well for de­mocracy. Nigerians are seeing through the fraud called INEC already. I will not be surprised if 2027 election is boycotted by major opposition parties unless we have electoral re­forms.”