Labour Party Aspirants Challenge Hefty Nomination Fee for Edo State Governorship Polls
In a bold move, aspirants vying for the Labour Party’s ticket in the upcoming Edo State governorship polls have united in their rejection of the party’s imposed N30 million fee for expression of interest and nomination forms.
Dr. Egbe Omorodion, the Labour Party aspirant, has voiced the collective discontent during a press briefing in Benin on Sunday, revealing plans for a crucial meeting on Monday to address the issue.
Expressing his dissatisfaction, Omorodion argued that the exorbitant fee posed a hindrance to the aspirations of many qualified individuals willing to serve the people of Edo State.
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Drawing attention to the precedent set by the party in Imo State, where the fees were slashed to N15 million, he questioned why a similar reduction couldn’t be applied to Edo State.
“I, as a labour party aspirant, am saying that this amount is outrageously ridiculous. I see the move as a strategy to stifle the voices of those who joined LP with a genuine desire to serve the Edo people,” Omorodion stated.
The Labour Party had earlier announced the N30 million fee and slated February 22 for the primary election. Omorodion, who also serves as the LP Chairman for the UK chapter, emphasized the potential consequences if the party leadership remained adamant about the fee.
“My appeal is that I don’t think my voice and those of others who believe in my project should be muted by this huge amount. A good number of aspirants and supporters may become disgruntled and may just take a walk if the party leadership refuses to budge,” he warned.
Highlighting the broader implications, Omorodion expressed concern that Edo State could lose highly qualified individuals if the party failed to reconsider the fee.
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He concluded, “Edo people may be denied the opportunity of my dream and desires to take the state to the next level.”
With discontent brewing among aspirants, the upcoming Monday meeting is anticipated to be a pivotal moment as they strategize to collectively address the issue and negotiate for a more reasonable nomination fee.
