APC Unveils Schedule for Assembly Bye-Elections and Sets Senate Nomination Forms at N20 Million
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled the timetable and schedule for the forthcoming bye-elections into the National and State House of Assemblies. These bye-elections, which are being conducted as a result of the demise and resignation of lawmakers in nine different states across Nigeria, have been scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take place on February 3, 2024.
To ensure a smooth and organized process, the APC, through its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, has announced that the sale of nominations, expressions of interest, and delegate forms will commence on December 27, 2023, and run until January 2, 2024. It is important to note that the completed forms must be submitted by January 3, 2024, to be eligible for consideration.
One major highlight of the APC’s announcement is the cost of the expression of interest and nomination forms for the various positions. The APC has set the fee for the Senate nomination forms at a staggering N20 million. For the House of Representatives, the fee is set at N10 million, while the nomination forms for the House of Assembly have been pegged at N2 million. This move by the APC has sparked conversations and debates among political observers, with some expressing concerns about the accessibility of political participation for aspirants who may find it difficult to afford such exorbitant fees.
In line with the timetable, the primary elections for the bye-elections are scheduled to take place on January 6, 2024. This will be the stage where party members will choose their candidates, who will eventually represent the APC in the upcoming bye-elections.
The release of the timetable by the APC serves as a crucial step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process. It provides candidates who are interested in contesting in the bye-elections with a clear timeline and guidelines on how to participate. As political parties gear up for the upcoming bye-elections, it is expected that other parties will also release their timetables in due course.
With the date for the bye-elections drawing closer, political activities are expected to intensify as aspirants campaign vigorously to secure the party’s nomination and subsequently win over voters. The outcome of these bye-elections will not only determine the representation of the vacant seats but also have implications for the political and power dynamics within the affected states.