The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its fee structure for candidates in Lagos State’s upcoming local government elections.
Aspiring chairmen must pay ₦5 million for nomination forms plus ₦500,000 in administrative fees.
Additionally, the party introduced incentives to boost youth and disability inclusion.
Candidates below 40 years receive a 50% discount, reducing their nomination fee to ₦2.5 million.
Persons with disabilities pay no nomination fee, only ₦250,000 in administrative charges.
Meanwhile, councillorship aspirants face tiered pricing based on gender and ability.
Male candidates pay ₦1 million, while women and PLWDs enjoy reduced rates of ₦250,000 and ₦0 respectively, with separate administrative fees.
Furthermore, the APC eliminated fees for vice-chairmanship nominations, streamlining the process.
All payments must be made through bank drafts payable to the party’s Lagos State chapter, as confirmed in official documents.
The guidelines, signed by Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and Secretary Dr. Adeola Jokomba, mandate five ward members’ endorsements per aspirant.
This requirement aims to ensure grassroots legitimacy among contestants.
Critics argue the fees remain prohibitive despite concessions, potentially limiting participation to affluent candidates.
However, the APC maintains the structure balances accessibility with commitment thresholds.
As the July 12 election approaches, observers will monitor whether these measures genuinely enhance diversity.
The discounted rates could empower more youths and women to enter Lagos’ political arena.
The disability community particularly welcomes the fee waivers as progressive. Such policies align with Nigeria’s disability rights laws, though implementation challenges persist in other states.
Political analysts note Lagos APC’s history of innovative nomination processes. This latest framework continues that trend while testing new inclusion models ahead of 2027 general elections.
All aspirants must submit completed forms by May 30, according to the election timetable. The party plans to commence screening exercises immediately afterward to vet candidates’ eligibility.
With these measures, the APC seeks to strengthen its dominance in Lagos politics. The coming weeks will reveal whether opposition parties adopt similar or more competitive nomination strategies.
Ultimately, the success of these policies hinges on transparent implementation. Civil society groups have pledged to monitor the process for equitable candidate treatment across all demographics.
*(Word count: 352)*