African Democratic Congress Rejects N250,000 Nomination Fee for Ogun State Local Government Election

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State has expressed strong opposition to the N250,000 nomination fee imposed by the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (OGISEC) for the upcoming local government election. According to reports, OGISEC announced the fee during a stakeholder meeting on Thursday, with male councillorship candidates required to pay N150,000 and female candidates N100,000.

In a statement signed by the party’s chairman, Itunu Abioro, the ADC described the fee as "exorbitant and unacceptable". The party alleged that the fee is an attempt to manipulate the electoral system for personal financial gain and exploit the democratic process to generate funds for the governor.

The ADC also questioned the double standards exhibited by OGISEC, pointing out that the governor himself did not pay any money to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during his last election, and neither did elected Ogun state house of assembly members. The party believes that such discriminatory practices tarnish the credibility of the electoral process.

"We vehemently reject this unjust and extortionate demand by OGSIEC and assert that as a party, we will not succumb to this fraudulent act," the statement read. "We call on all stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the general public to join us in condemning this fraudulent act by Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission. Together, let us protect the integrity of our democratic system and ensure that the voice of the people is not silenced through extortion."

The ADC urged other political parties to unite and join voices against the extortionate policy implemented by the electoral commission. The party’s stance has sparked controversy in the state, with many calling for a review of the nomination fee to ensure a fair and inclusive electoral process.