LG Poll: NRM Sues OGSIEC Over Imposed ₦250,000 Fee On Candidates

The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has taken legal action against the Ogun State Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) over the alleged imposition of administrative fees on candidates for the local government elections.

Naija News understands that OGSIEC has set a fee of ₦250,000 for each chairmanship candidate, while councillorship candidates must pay ₦150,000. Additionally, female councillorship candidates face a reduced fee of ₦100,000.

Not satisfied with this development, NRM prayed to the court for a ruling to declare these fees illegal.

The party has also raised concerns about the election timetable, arguing that the Commission failed to provide sufficient notice and did not engage in consultations with all legally registered political parties prior to the announcement.

In the originating summons, identified as suit no: AB/741/2024, the NRM requests the court to declare the administrative fees imposed by OGSIEC as illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void. Furthermore, the party is asking the court to mandate OGSIEC to delay the local government elections, which are currently scheduled for November 16, 2024, to ensure that political parties have adequate time for campaigning and preparation.

Represented by Mr. Adekola Adedeji, the NRM is also seeking an injunction to prevent OGSIEC from proceeding with the local government elections on the specified date. Adedeji emphasized that the case aims to clarify whether OGSIEC has the authority to unilaterally set the election timetable and conduct the elections without proper notice and consultation with other political entities.

He contended that the electoral body has breached several provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, specifically sections 7(1)(4), 106, 107, and 197(b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, as well as sections 10 and 14(1) of the Ogun State Electoral Law of 2007, section 3 and 18(1) of the Ogun State Electoral Commission Law of 2006, and paragraph 4(c) of the OGSIEC guidelines for local government elections in Ogun State.

He said: “For the interpretation of Sections 7(1)(4),106;107, and 197(b) of the Nigeria Constitution, 1999, as amended, Sections 10 and 14 (1) of Ogun State Electoral Law 2007, Sections 3,18 (1) Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2006 and Paragraph 4(c) OGSIEC Guidelines For Local Government Elections, Ogun State, and to determine:

“Whether 1st Defendant can impose unilaterally on the claimant the timetable and date of the conduct of local government elections purportedly slated for November 16, 2024, in Ogun State without due notice and consultation meetings with all the political parties duly registered and stakeholders for the said election.”

In his ruling, Justice S.O Adeniyi of the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta said the case is a pre-election matter that must be heard urgently.

He scheduled a further hearing for November 8, 2024, regarding the lawsuit by NRM.

He, therefore, granted the defendant three days to file their defence to the suit.