Ahead of the commencement of the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the Edo State governorship election, 18 Labour Party (LP) aspirants have appealed to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to reduce the fees for the forms.
Notable endorsers of this appeal include Barrister Efosa Ogieriakhi, Engr. Michael Osho Oshiobugie, Barrister Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, Kingsley Ulinfun, Azemhe Azena, among others.
The NWC had initially set the costs for the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at N5 million and N25 million, respectively.
The aspirants propose that the Expression of Interest form be made available for free to all aspirants, while the Nomination form should incur a fee ranging from one to five million naira (NGN1,000,000.00 to 5,000,000.00), with a 50% reduction for women and individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, they suggest that forms for delegates interested in the ward and local government congresses should be provided at no cost.
Emphasizing the grassroots contributions to the party, the aspirants argue against compelling party members who have dedicated time and resources to building the party to pay for delegate forms.
They stress the current economic challenges in the country and express concern that setting the forms at a price 100 times the minimum wage may be perceived as out of touch with the prevailing economic hardships.
The aspirants invoke the Labour Party’s identity as a champion of equal opportunity, asserting that individuals with vision, qualifications, and character, even with modest means, should be able to aspire to the governorship position.
Drawing attention to past instances where the NWC revised form costs after public outcry, the aspirants caution against a disconnect between party leaders and members.
They cite previous off-cycle elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo States, where initial form costs of NGN25 million were eventually reduced to NGN15 million following public protest and the intervention of national leaders.
The aspirants imply that similar responsiveness is needed for the Edo State election to align with the sentiments of party members.