Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC, has clarified that the administrative charges for the upcoming 2024 local government elections are directed at political parties, not individual candidates.
DAILY POST reported that the Commission during a stakeholder meeting announced that the sum of N250,000 must be paid by the chairmanship candidates of the various political parties.
Chairman of the Commission, Babatunde Osibodu, stated that male councillorship candidates are to pay N150,000 while the females will pay N100,000 for the election slated for November 16, 2024.
According to report the fee has sparked outrage with various political parties in the state describing it as exorbitant and unacceptable.
However, the Commission’s chairman during a radio interview in Abeokuta, noted that the
charges applied to parties fielding candidates for chairmanship or councillorship positions in the election.
Osibodu said the fee aims to boost participation and commitment among political parties.
“Each party must pay the administrative fee. People tend to value what they invest in. By paying for their candidates’ forms, parties will demonstrate greater commitment, encouraging more than just a few of the 19 registered parties to show interest.”
Osibodu maintained that the Commission is legally empowered to impose the fee, having sought legal counsel and received approval from the State House of Assembly.
Addressing concerns raised by Itunu Abioro, Public Relations Officer of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Ogun State, Osibodu said the Commission has the legal authority to establish its own electoral guidelines.
He highlighted the release of the election timetable and guidelines as the first step in the electoral process, assuring that further engagements with political parties and stakeholders will follow.
Osibodu while reaffirming OGSIEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election added that everything done is for the progress of the state.
Meanwhile, he stressed the importance of party participation, stating, “If political parties choose not to participate, they cannot later complain if a single party dominates the election. Non-participation is tantamount to conceding defeat.”
