With the Imo State local government elections rapidly approaching, both major political parties in the state have extended their deadlines for the sale of nomination forms. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has shifted its deadline from July 22 to July 24, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also adjusted its deadline to July 26, 2024.
The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission has scheduled the local council elections for September 21, 2024, heightening the urgency and competition among political aspirants.
The APC’s extension comes as a response to widespread complaints about the high cost of its nomination forms. Chairmanship expression of interest forms are priced at N1 million, with nomination forms costing over N3 million. Councilorship forms are set at N200,000 for expression of interest and N700,000 for nomination. These costs have sparked protests from many potential candidates, who argue that the fees are prohibitively expensive.
Cajethan Duke, the APC spokesperson, clarified that the extension aims to accommodate more aspirants and address concerns over the form costs. He mentioned that the party is keen to streamline the number of candidates to ensure a more organized primary process. “The extension is to allow interested parties ample time to complete their applications, despite the high costs,” Duke explained.
Meanwhile, the PDP, through its Organizing Secretary Gozie Nwachukwu, has extended its deadline from the original July 17 to July 26. Nwachukwu urged all prospective candidates to use the additional time to submit their applications.
The extension of deadlines by both parties reflects the high stakes and intense competition leading up to the elections. Governor Hope Uzodimma has pledged a fair and transparent electoral process, aiming to set a new standard for local governance elections in the state.
As the election date draws nearer, stakeholders hope that the adjustments will lead to a more inclusive and equitable selection process, allowing for greater participation from all parties and potentially setting a precedent for future elections in Imo State.
