Ogun ADC Rejects OGSIEC’s N250,000 Nomination Fee as “Unjust and Extortionate”

The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed the N250,000 nomination fee imposed by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) for the upcoming local government elections.

During a stakeholder meeting on Thursday, OGSIEC announced that this fee would apply to chairmanship candidates from all political parties, while male councillorship candidates are expected to pay N150,000 and female candidates N100,000.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the ADC’s state chairman, Itunu Abioro, the party denounced the fees as exorbitant and unacceptable. The ADC accused OGSIEC of attempting to manipulate the electoral system for personal financial gain.

“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 declared. “It is particularly concerning that OGSIEC is resorting to extorting aspiring candidates and exploiting the democratic process to generate funds for the governor.”

The ADC also questioned the fairness of the electoral commission’s actions, pointing out that when the governor and Ogun State House of Assembly members ran for office, they were not required to pay any fees to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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The party called on other political parties to unite against what it described as discriminatory and financially burdensome policies. “If OGSIEC intends to exclude other political parties from participating in the election, they should have the courage to state it outright, rather than using unjust administrative charges as a means to achieve their hidden agenda,” the statement continued.

The ADC urged stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the public to join in condemning what it sees as a fraudulent act by OGSIEC. The party emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring that the voices of the people are not silenced through financial extortion.