Ogun IPAC Condemns OGSIEC’s Introduction of Administrative Fees for Candidates
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… Demands Rescission of OGSIEC’s ‘Unfair’ Election Guidelines
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ogun State has strongly criticized the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) for releasing election guidelines without consulting political parties and has threatened a ‘political tsunami’ if the policies are not rescinded.
Abayomi Sanyaolu, Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of IPAC, expressed the concerns of various political parties in the state during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abeokuta.
He condemned the decision by OGSIEC to introduce fees for candidates, contending that it contradicts the principles of transparency and fairness.
His words “The lack of consultation with political parties before the guidelines were released undermines the credibility of the upcoming local government elections”.
“Last local government election, they said it, and when we complained, they removed it. How can they now say it again we’re going to pay money? Are they the owners of our political parties?
“Did INEC collect money from us when we went to contest? How will OGSIEC now say we should pay money? INEC did not bill us; how can OGSIEC bill us? So, if we pay money to OGSIEC now, and candidates will still pay money to the party, can we kill our people?” Sanyaolu questioned.
Corroborating with the Chairman, the chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Barrister Femi Aina, pointed out Sanyaolu’s concerns, over the lack of transparency in previous local government elections.
Aina called for a credible and accountable election process, urging OGSIEC to ensure public education and awareness to guarantee credible results.
The guidelines stipulate that chairmanship candidates are required to pay ₦250,000, male councillorship candidates ₦150,000, and female councillorship candidates ₦100,000.
OGSIEC said the reduced fee for female candidates is aimed at boosting women’s participation in local governance, saying it believes ve is crucial for promoting gender balance in politics.
OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, represented by Commissioner Mr. Tunji Akoni, announced the election guidelines and timetable for the 2024 local government elections, set to be held on November 16.
Osibodu emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines, urging all stakeholders to focus on gaining political power at the grassroots level through effective campaigns and manifesto presentations to the electorate.
He reassured that the commission is committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election that will set a standard for future elections.
Despite these assurances, Sanyaolu and other political leaders declared that they were not convinced.
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