LG Elections: Bauchi PRP Condemns BASIEC’s ‘Exorbitant’ Fees

The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has strongly condemned the exorbitant allowances imposed by the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) on candidates for participating in the forthcoming local government and council elections scheduled for August 17, 2024.

The PRP said on Saturday that “this draconian measure is a deliberate attempt to dispossess thousands of youths and women in Bauchi State who are interested in contesting the positions of local government chairman and councillors.”

The PRP considers the compensation to be an excessive and unreasonable demand that is contrary to the principles of free and fair elections.

The party through Hon. Abdulazeez Haruna, the State Secretary, added: “We find it unacceptable that BASIEC charges political parties for forms when even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not charge political parties for forms. It is important to note that INEC provides forms to political parties free of charge.”

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“This raises questions about the motives behind BASIEC’s decision to impose such charges. We therefore urge BASIEC to immediately abolish these charges altogether and create a level playing field for all political parties to participate in the elections,” it further added.

The statement further read: “Furthermore, we recall that the 2020 local government elections in Bauchi State were marred by blatant manipulation and rigging, which we vehemently condemned. We will not tolerate a repeat of such experience.”

“We therefore call on BASIEC to organise credible and fair elections that reflect the will of the people and respect the democratic rights of citizens,” it stressed.

The PRP, Bauchi State chapter, will continue to monitor developments and will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to ensure that our democracy is protected and the will of the people is respected.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE