“Ogun LG Poll: OGSIEC Clarifies N250,000 Fee Targets Parties, Not Candidates”
The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has clarified that the N250,000 administrative fee announced for the 2024 local government elections is directed at political parties, not individual candidates. This clarification follows concerns and criticism from various parties about the perceived high cost.
OGSIEC Chairman Babatunde Osibodu explained that the fee applies to political parties fielding candidates for chairmanship and councillorship positions. Male councillorship candidates are required to pay N150,000, while female candidates will pay N100,000. The election is scheduled for November 16, 2024.
Osibodu stated that the fee is intended to encourage greater party participation and commitment, asserting that financial investment in candidates will lead to more serious engagement from the 19 registered parties. He emphasized that the Commission’s authority to impose the fee comes from legal advice and approval from the State House of Assembly.
Addressing objections, Osibodu reassured that the Commission is committed to a free and fair election and that further consultations with political parties and stakeholders will be conducted. He stressed the significance of party participation, warning that non-participation could lead to a single party dominating the elections.