The Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) has expressed strong opposition to the nomination form fees of N150,000 announced by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 12 July.
IPAC accused the electoral body of reneging on an earlier agreement reached during a consultative meeting with LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), where it was reportedly agreed that the fees would either be slashed by 50 per cent or waived entirely for all candidates.
The disagreement was raised during the maiden edition of News Central’s Chairmen’s Dialogue, held on Thursday at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, with the theme: ‘Inside Lagos Politics’.
The event provided a platform for political party leaders to discuss governance and electoral challenges in the state.
It was attended by representatives of 17 registered political parties.
Speaking with our correspondent at the event, IPAC Chairperson Temilola Akinade, voiced the council’s disappointment.
‘She asked us to advise her on the fees, and we proposed either a 50 per cent reduction or a complete waiver. At the very least, we expected the old rate of N100,000 for chairmanship and N75,000/N50,000 for councillors to be maintained’, Akinade said.
‘To our surprise, the new fees were increased instead. I haven’t had a chance to speak with her yet because of this event, but I intend to reach out’.
Akinade noted that the development contradicts assurances given by Justice Okikiolu-Ighile at a recent meeting, where she had apologised for the lack of prior consultation and promised greater engagement with political parties going forward.
‘She even called me afterwards to apologise for any perceived shortcomings and pledged to carry us along. So I thought things were improving’, she added.
Meanwhile, in a public notice issued on Thursday, LASIEC announced that nomination forms would now cost N150,000 for chairmanship aspirants, N75,000 for vice chairmanship, and N50,000 for councillorship aspirants.
The commission stated that no administrative fee would be charged for female candidates and persons living with disabilities.
‘All political parties should note that the nomination of a female candidate and persons living with disabilities for any of the elective positions shall attract no administrative fees’, the notice read in part.
The commission also announced that the deadline for the submission of nomination forms is 22 May 2025.
Required documentation includes a nomination form signed by registered voters in the candidate’s constituency, academic credentials, and, where applicable, a letter of disengagement from employment.
Verification of candidates is scheduled for 30 June, with the final list of validated candidates to be published on 1 July 2025.
LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Okikiolu-Ighile, urged political parties to avoid voter inducement and inciting rhetoric during campaigns.
‘Campaigns or addresses must not be based on sectional, ethnic, or religious sentiments or prejudice. Bribery and other forms of inducement must be avoided’, she warned.
