No less than 15 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirants in Bayelsa State have picked the nomination forms of their party to enable them contest for the coveted seat in the oil-rich state in the governorship election slated for November 16 this year.

All the aspirants are expected to pay a cumulative sum of N360 million to the party State and National Secretariats.

Each aspirant is required to dole N1 million for the nomination form and additional N20 million and N3 million to the party National and State Secretariats respectively.

One of gubernatorial aspirants, Dr. Ayawei Nimibofa, on Monday said that he would prioritise provision of infrastructure if party nominates him and he is eventually elected as Governor.

Nimbofa and 14 others have purchased the expression of interest forms to contest for the governorship position on the platform of their party.

Speaking to newsmen in Yenagoa, Nimbofa, who is also the Executive Chairman of Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR), said his governorship ambition was backed by various stakeholders, groups and individuals across the state ahead the governorship election in Bayelsa slated for November 16.

Nimbofa said he decided to run for the polls to consolidate on the gains of the current administration in the critical areas of infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.

He also pledged to ensure that the robust education policy of Gov Seriake Dickson led administration is further expanded under his watch.

According to Nimbofa, if elected, Bayelsa people will get a fair deal as he would run an all-inclusive government that would prioritise human capital development.

He further assured that a new era of progress and development has come and appealed to all to key into it.

Other aspirants who have collected the PDP nomination forms include former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe.

Also in the race is former cabinet member in the state, Mr. Reuben Okoya, and an ex-militant leader, Great Joshua MacIver.

Others are the incumbent Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd); a businessman, Kenebi Okoko; former Commissioner for Works and Transportation, Mr. Franklin Osaisai and Chief Benson Agadaga.

Hon. Fred Agbedi, Sen. Douye Diri, from Bayelsa Central; Chief of Staff Government House, Mr. Talford Ongolo; and Secretary to the State Government, Mr Kemela Okara, have also collected nomination forms.

On the side of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen Heineken Lokpobiri, has picked the expression of interest form for N2.5 million.

The aspirants on the APC platform are expected to pay a total of N22.5 million, comprising N2.5 million for expression of interest and N20 million, for the nomination form payable to APC National Secretariat.

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