The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday began screening of its presidential aspirants at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja as details about the questions asked the aspirants have emerged.
Frontline presidential aspirant Asiwaju Bola Tinubu last night appeared before the John Odigie-Oyegun-led All Progressives Congress (APC) screening panel.
Eleven other aspirants, including former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Ameachi, Jigawa State Governor Abubakar Badaru, Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, Dr. Tunde Bakare and the only female aspirant Uju Ken-Ohanenye also faced the panel.
The rest are Former Minister of State, Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajuiba; Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Felix Nicholas, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Senator Ibikunle Amosu and Senator Sani Yarima Ahmed.
Addressing the screening panel on Monday, Tinubu answered questions bordering “on his upbringing, educational and professional background, as well as his achievements when he served as governor of Lagos State.”
In a leaked video now viral on social media, Tinubu was heard enumerating his various successes as the Governor of the economic hub of the country and how he intends bringing same to the country as the president.
Also, an aspirant who craved anonymity before speaking with the members of the press disclosed the nature of the questions he was asked.
The aspirant said the panel asked him and others if they would be ready to step down for the consensus candidate of the party.
Also, the aspirant said they were asked if they have dual citizenship status, or they were under any investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“They asked us pretty much the same questions. They asked about our record with anti-graft agencies, citizenship status, finances and our manifestoes. Of course, there were a few follow up questions depending on the responses given.
“They asked if I had any EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) or ICPC (Independent Corrupt Pactactics and other related offences Commission) case. They asked about my manifesto and also asked me if I would be willing to step down in the event of a consensus. I told them I am a party man and will abide by the wishes of the APC.
“Do you have dual citizenship? Are you the subject of investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission? Have you been arraigned by the Code of Conduct Bureau? And have you ever been convicted for a crime?,” the aspirant was quoted to have said.
For screening today are Vice President Osinbajo, Lawan, former Speaker Oladimeji Bankole, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, former Minister of Niger Delta Development, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Tein Jack-Rich, former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu, Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade and former Minister of Information, Ikeobasi Mokelu.
However, the fate of Senator Rochas Okorocha remains unknown as he is still in the custody of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as of press time.
