THE national leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has reduced the fee for its governorship election nomination form in Imo State from N25 million to N15 million.
The earlier N25 million price tag for the nomination form was sharply criticised on social media by the party’s young supporters, popularly called ‘Obidents’, who felt that the huge amount could hinder many Nigerians from participating in governance at any level.
Some of the party’s officials, including the spokesperson of the Peter Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Kenneth Okonkwo, had cited campaign logistics as reasons for the exorbitant amount.
But in a statement posted on Twitter on Tuesday, March 28, Okonkwo said the LP’s decision to reduce the nomination fee was based on Article 8(h) of the party’s Constitution, which aims to broaden participation in governance at all levels by ensuring that the costs of the electoral process do not constitute a hindrance to any Nigerian.
He also stated that N25 million was an exorbitant fee that would not be encouraged.
In line with the decision to slash the cost of the governorship election nomination form, the cost of nomination forms for all elective positions are to be reviewed downwards by the party, Okonkwo added.
“After due consultation with all the relevant stakeholders in the Party, and taking into consideration the overwhelming interest of Nigerians in our Party,and the necessity to birth a new Nigeria, and in view of the prevailing high cost of things in Nigeria, which the incompetent APC ruling party has foisted on all Nigerians, the Labour Party, as a listening Party, has taken note of the suggestions of Nigerians that a party of the working class Nigerians should settle for a nomination fee of not more than N15m for the post of a Governor.
“In line with our avowed disposition to carry Nigerians along in what we do, the Party has decided to review the cost of nomination forms downwards for all positions taking into consideration the suggested amount of N15m for the post of Governor,” Okonkwo said in a statement posted on Twitter.
The LP governorship primary election in Imo State is scheduled to take place next month, with 13 aspirants already securing nomination and expression of interest forms.
Among those vying for the LP governorship ticket are Major General Lincoln Jack Ogunewe (retd), Senator Athan Achonu, Martin Agbaso, Barr Humphrey Anumudu, Chief Joseph Ukaegbu, Dr Tochi J.Ehirim, Rt Hon Ike Ibe, Rt Hon Kelechi Nwagwu, Dr Basil Maduka, Engr Chinedu Amadi, AIG Charles Agomuo (retd), Capt David Mbamara, and Chief C. Ishiguzo.
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