The Labour Party, LP, is receiving criticism for setting the price of its expression of interest and nomination forms at N25 million ahead of the Imo State governorship election, which is planned for November 11.
According to Obasanjonews24, 12 candidates, excluding the late Humprey Anumudu, have chosen the Labour Party’s nomination forms to run in the Imo State off-cycle gubernatorial election.
All Progressives Party (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination papers were sold for N40 million and N20 million, respectively, drawing ire from Nigerians, including the Labour Party.
Abayomi Ararambi, the press secretary for the Labour Party, criticised the APC and PDP in March for excluding young people by charging high nomination fees. The current state of affairs, however, runs counter to the party’s former position.
On social media on Sunday, the development was widely condemned. Several Nigerians expressed their anger in the following ways:
“Pegging the gubernatorial nomination and declaration of interest form at N25M is unacceptable,” said FS Emeka Yusuf. We shouldn’t have to work hard to defend them due of @NgLabour. A party that should be different from the existing quo and make a difference is what we seek. The slogan should be one of equal opportunity.
@Abel NGN 500,000 or even NGN 1,000,000 is preferable, according to Joshua Chinaza. The competition level in the race will increase. A group of eager young brains who are not moneybags but want to join the team to serve the public have already been eliminated by outrageous costs for simple expressions of interest.
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Official Chuks: If internal screening is done properly, choosing an interest form shouldn’t be dependent on who can afford it but rather on the candidate’s aptitude. The optimum course of action ought to be that.
Please remind me of the fundamental principles that LP upholds, asks Dr. Ekpos Chinwe Weritimi. I am aware of Obi-skill Datti’s set, potential, veracity, and moral integrity. And that’s what appealed to those who eventually became Obidients. Is LP a sluggish old wine bag trying to hold the fresh Obidients wine?
“I don’t see why people can’t just use reason,” said Igbudu. They are relying on the goodwill of numerous young Nigerians, did it not cross their minds? Normally, one would anticipate that they would use additional factors, such as prior performance and antecedents, to lure in a suitable applicant.
@Kanu Levi: “I don’t know whether there are requirements for raising such money because I don’t understand why someone who wants to serve the public would pay N25 million only to buy a form; how much is his salary in four years? @NgLabour should exercise extreme caution since @PeterObi may be the last.
In the meanwhile, when the Obasanjonews24 contacted Mr. Julius Abure, the national chairman of the Labour Party, for comment, he responded, “I am in a meeting, I can’t remark on the topic.”
Hope Uzodinma, the current governor of Imo State and a member of the APC, is up for re-election in the state. From March 27 and April 17, 2023, the parties vying for the governorship are anticipated to hold their primaries.
On November 11, 2023, Imo will be joined by the states of Kogi and Bayelsa to hold their gubernatorial elections.
