The Ogun State House of Assembly has summoned the chairman and members of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) to address concerns over the administrative fees imposed on political parties for the upcoming local government elections.
The controversy arose after OGSIEC Chairman, Babatunde Osibodu, announced during a stakeholder meeting that political parties would be required to pay N250,000 for each chairmanship candidate. Additionally, male councillorship candidates were to pay N150,000, while female candidates were charged N100,000 for the elections scheduled for November 16, 2024.
These fees sparked significant backlash from various political parties in Ogun State, who criticized them as exorbitant and unacceptable.
In response to the growing discontent, Speaker Oludaisi Elemide on Tuesday, directed OGSIEC to appear before the state lawmakers on September 3, 2024. The commission is expected to provide a detailed explanation of its activities and preparations for the forthcoming elections.
The invitation was prompted by the presentation of Minority Leader Lukman Adeleye, who raised concerns about the fees announced by OGSIEC.