A coalition of support groups purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for the president of the Africa Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina.
The Punch newspaper reported that a coalition of 28 groups raised the N100 million used to acquire the forms for Mr. Adesina on Saturday in Abuja.
According to the report, the 28 groups include the Youth Uprising Movement, Nigerians in Diaspora, One Nigeria Group, the Wise Youth Association of Nigeria, women’s groups and farmers.
In recent days, the purchase of presidential forms by candidate support groups has become a trend.
On Friday, a support group bought the APC form for the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Following outrage from Nigerians, Emefiele rejected the gesture, stating that if he decides to apply, he will buy the form with his money.
Adesina, who served as Agriculture Minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan, was re-elected chairman of the African bank in 2020.
Despite the N100 million set by the ruling party, it has not deterred supporters from buying tickets for their favorite challengers.
ALSO READ: AfDB chief Adesina denounces Nigeria’s debt surge
Party chairman Abdullahi Adamu had justified the exorbitant price on the grounds that it would deter wrongdoers from causing trouble for the party.
“Our party is the ruling party, if we set the number less, the same opposition can sponsor some people to come and participate before they realize there will be court cases everywhere. Let’s see if some devil can pay N100m to sponsor some,” he said.
Supporters also bought the forms for candidates such as former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajuiba.
So far, some 24 applicants have purchased nomination forms.
