- APC rejects TSIEC’s nomination fees, calls them unconstitutional and excessive.
- Party decries N1 million tax clearance for chairmanship aspirants by state revenue board.
- APC says it is fully ready for November polls, warns of legal action if fees aren’t reviewed.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the fees imposed by the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC) ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
According to Eko Hot Blog, the party has threatened legal action if the charges are not reviewed.
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Addressing journalists in Jalingo, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi, described the fees as unconstitutional and deliberately aimed at suppressing opposition participation.
He noted that the charges imposed on aspirants were excessive and capable of discouraging inclusive political engagement.
According to the TSIEC guidelines, aspirants for chairmanship positions are expected to pay a non-refundable fee of N1 million, while vice chairmanship candidates must pay N500,000.
Female candidates in both categories are charged N250,000.
Councillorship hopefuls are required to pay N150,000 for male candidates and N75,000 for female candidates.
El-Sudi criticized the electoral body’s move, arguing that, “The constitution does not provide for any form of payment to INEC, and by implication, state electoral commissions cannot introduce such charges.
This looks like a deliberate effort to hinder opposition parties, especially under the current harsh economic conditions.”
He called for an immediate reversal of the fees, stressing that the financial implications are discouraging to many aspirants.
In addition, the APC chairman faulted the Taraba State Board of Internal Revenue for what he called “outrageous tax clearance fees”
N1 million for chairmanship aspirants and N500,000 for councillorship candidates. He described the figures as unjustifiable and called for a swift downward review.
Despite these setbacks, El-Sudi disclosed that the APC had successfully conducted its primaries in all 16 local government areas and is fully prepared for the elections set for November.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to credible elections and warned that failure to address the issues raised could lead to legal action.
