Emmanuel Oludare
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State has condemned the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) for what it describes as “fraudulent and extortionate” administrative charges imposed on candidates for the forthcoming local government elections.
In a press statement released following a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abeokuta on July 8th, 2024, the ADC denounced OGSIEC’s decision to levy a ₦250,000 charge on chairmanship candidates, ₦150,000 on councilorship candidates, and ₦100,000 on female candidates.
The party labeled these fees as unjust and a deliberate attempt to financially exploit candidates.
“We vehemently reject this unjust and extortionate demand by OGSIEC and assert that as a party, we will not succumb to this fraudulent act,” said Hon. Itunu Abioro, the ADC Ogun State Chairman.
The ADC expressed deep concern that OGSIEC is using the electoral process as a means to generate funds, which the party claims are intended for the governor.
The party argued that this action undermines the integrity of the democratic process, with Abioro questioning the double standards employed by the commission.
“When the governor himself contested, did he pay any money to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)? The answer is a resounding NO.
“ Similarly, none of the elected Ogun state house of assembly members were required to pay a penny to INEC,” Abioro noted, highlighting what the party sees as a discriminatory practice that tarnishes the credibility of the electoral process.
The ADC’s statement emphasized that such exorbitant fees not only marginalize potential candidates but also act as a barrier to broader participation in the elections.
The party called on other political parties to join them in opposing OGSIEC’s policy, urging unity against what they perceive as an unjust attempt to stifle competition and limit democratic participation.
“If OGSIEC intends to exclude other political parties from participating in the election, they should have the audacity to state it outright, rather than using unjust administrative charges as a means to achieve their hidden agenda,” the statement read.
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