The Labour Party, LP, is under fire ahead of the Imo State governorship election on November 11 for charging N25 million for expressions of interest and nomination forms.
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According to Gistpeople, 12 aspirants, excluding the late Humprey Anumudu, have signed up with the Labour Party to run in the Imo State off-cycle governorship election.
Nigerians, including the Labour Party, had criticized the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for selling nomination forms for N40 million and N20 million, respectively.
Abayomi Ararambi, the Labour Party’s publicity secretary, condemned the APC and PDP in March for using the exorbitant cost of nomination to exclude youths. However, the current situation contradicts the party’s previous position.
On Sunday, the development drew widespread condemnation on social media, with many Nigerians expressing their displeasure as follows:
“Pegging the gubernatorial nomination and expression of interest form at N25M is outrageous,” says FS Emeka Yusuf. @NgLabour should not make it difficult for us to defend them. We want a party that will make a difference and will not support the status quo. The mantra should be “equal opportunity.”
@Abel “NGN 500,000 or even NGN 1,000, 000 is preferable,” says Joshua Chinaza. It will increase the race’s competitiveness. Exorbitant prices for ordinary expressions of interest have already excluded a group of eager young minds who are not wealthy but want to serve the people.”
Official Chuks: Choosing an interest form should be based on the candidate’s capability, not who can afford the form, if in-house scrutiny has been done properly. That should be the best option.”
“Can someone please remind me of the core values espoused by LP?” says Dr. Ekpos Chinwe Weritimi. I am familiar with Obi-competence, Datti’s capability, credibility, and character. That was what appealed to those who became Obidients. Is LP an old wine sack struggling to contain the new Obidients wine?”
@Igbudu: “I don’t understand why people can’t just reason.” Did they not realize they were riding on the goodwill of many young Nigerians? Ordinarily, one would expect them to use other criteria, such as past antecedents, etc., to lure in a good and acceptable candidate.”
@Kanu Levi: “I’m not sure if there are conditions for raising such money because I don’t see a reason for someone who wants to serve the public to pay N25 million just to buy a form; how much is his salary in four years?” @NgLabour should be cautious because @PeterObi could be the last.”
Meanwhile, when reporters approached Mr Julius Abure, National Chairman of the Labour Party, for comment, he said, “I am in a meeting, I can’t speak on the matter.”
Hope Uzodinma, the APC’s incumbent governor in Imo State, is eligible for re-election. Parties vying for the governorship position are expected to hold primaries between March 27 and April 17, 2023.
Kogi and Bayelsa states will join Imo in holding governorship elections on November 11, 2023.
