The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) disqualified two presidential hopefuls at the end of their screening on Friday.
Presidential selection committee chairman and former Senate President David Mark revealed this to reporters at the exercise venue “Legacy House” in Abuja.
The panel evaluated 17 applicants, an exercise that lasted more than 10 hours.
While Mark told reporters that two of the 17 applicants were disqualified, he did not reveal the identities of the applicants.
“We evaluated 17 applicants. We cleared 15, two have not been cleared. Don’t ask me which ones have been clarified and which ones haven’t been clarified because I won’t tell you, she said.
Mark, however, revealed that the two applicants were disqualified because they “did not meet the requirements.”
Asked how soon the panel will present its report to the party’s National Labor Committee (NWC), the former Senate president simply said: “tonight.”
Disqualified applicants also have the right to appeal to the selection appeal committee established by the party.
Overall, Mark said the panel was satisfied with the standard of challengers and that whoever “gets the ballot will win the election in 2023.”
She also believes that nothing should stop aspiring women from emerging as champions and presidents.
PREMIUM TIMES reported how the challengers praised the panel for their conduct during the exercise and expressed their optimism for victory.
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Candidates scrutinized included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate Presidents Bukola Saraki and Pius Anyim, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Bauchi and Sokoto State Governors Bala Mohammed and Aminu Tambuwal.
Others included River State Governor Nyesom Wike, Publisher Dele Momodu, Former Banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, Pharmacist Sam Ohabunwa, Akwa Ibom State Governor Emmanuel Udom and the only female presidential hopeful. Olivia Tariela.
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, a lawyer, Charles Okwudili, Chikwendu Kalu and Cosmos Ndukwe were also examined.
Part of the selection process is verification of applicants’ membership status and other vital credentials.
The party has set May 14 for the primaries. However, he has remained silent on his decision on zoning, as well as the mode of election to be used in the primary.