The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has made it clear that the fees for the 2024 local government elections are for political parties, not for individual candidates.
According to DAILY POST, OGSIEC announced in a meeting that chairmanship candidates from political parties must pay N250,000.
The Chairman of OGSIEC, Babatunde Osibodu, said that male councillorship candidates need to pay N150,000, and female candidates need to pay N100,000. The elections will take place on November 16, 2024.
DAILY POST also reported that many political parties think this fee is too high and unacceptable.
In a radio interview in Abeokuta, Osibodu said that these fees are for the political parties who are putting forward candidates for chairmanship or councillorship.
Osibodu explained that the fee is meant to encourage political parties to be more involved and serious. “Each party needs to pay the fee. When parties pay for their candidates’ forms, it shows they are committed,” he said. “This will help more than just a few of the 19 registered parties to take part.”
He also noted that OGSIEC has the legal right to ask for this fee. They got legal advice and State House of Assembly approval before deciding on it.
Replying to concerns from Itunu Abioro, the Public Relations Officer of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ogun State, Osibodu stated that OGSIEC can set their own rules for elections.
He mentioned that releasing the election timetable and guidelines is just the beginning of the process. There will be more discussions with political parties and other important groups.
Osibodu assured that OGSIEC is committed to having a free, fair, and trustworthy election. He said their aim is to benefit the state.
He also stressed the need for political parties to participate. “If political parties decide not to take part, they can’t later complain if one party wins everything. Not participating means you have already lost,” Osibodu said.