Labour Party (LP) aspirants gearing up for the Edo Governorship Primary on February 22 have voiced their strong opposition to the N30 million charge for Expression of Interest and nomination forms. The exorbitant fees have sparked dissatisfaction and led to calls for urgent action within the party.
Dr. Egbe Omorodion, a UK-based financial analyst and one of the aspirants, vigorously expressed the collective stance of all governorship aspirants on the matter. He revealed that a meeting has been scheduled for Monday to address the pressing issue.
The LP had announced on January 16 that nomination and expression of interest forms for governorship aspirants in the September 21 election would cost N30 million. The National Working Committee, led by Julius Abure, disclosed this decision during a meeting in Abuja. The forms were set to be on sale and open for submission between January 25 and February 11.
It’s noteworthy that female aspirants were exempted from paying for the expression of interest form. The party also confirmed its adoption of the indirect primary on February 22 to select its party flag bearer for the governorship poll.
Omorodion passionately appealed to the national leadership for a reduction in the fee, denouncing it as unjustifiable. He emphasized that the exorbitant amount could silence the voices of those genuinely committed to serving the people of Edo.
Expressing his concerns, Omorodion highlighted that the fee reduction for the Imo election should also apply to the Edo election. He warned that the substantial fee could lead to disillusionment among a significant number of aspirants and supporters.
Asserting his conviction, Omorodion, who also serves as the LP Chairman of the UK chapter, underscored the potential impact of stifling the voices of numerous supporters, emphasizing the implications for the state’s progress.
He further stressed that numerous dissatisfied aspirants will convene to deliberate on the matter, expressing hope for a unified position and resolution.
As the LP aspirants stand firmly against the steep nomination fees, Monday’s meeting holds the promise of charting a decisive course of action to address this contentious issue within the party.
( NAN)
