The Bauchi State Chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has vehemently denounced actions by the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC).
News About Nigeria reports that the party took a stand against BASIEC for imposing excessive fees on political parties participating in the upcoming local government chairmanship and councillorship elections.
This was contained in a statement by Hon. Abdulazeez Haruna, secretary to the Bauchi State Chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party, made available on Sunday.
This move is seen as a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise thousands of youth and women interested in contesting the elections.
The PRP considered this fee outrageous and unreasonable, contradicting the principles of free and fair elections.
Notably, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) provided forms to political parties free of charge, raising questions about BASIEC’s motives.
The PRP also demanded that BASIEC scrap these fees entirely and provide a level playing field for all political parties.
Furthermore, the PRP recalls that the 2020 local government elections in Bauchi State were marred by manipulation and rigging, which they condemned.
They have also asked BASIEC to conduct a credible and fair election that reflects the will of the people and respects democratic rights.
The PRP added that it will continue to monitor developments and take necessary actions to protect democracy and ensure the people’s will is respected.
The party added that it would continue to advocate for a fair and inclusive electoral process, free from financial barriers and manipulation, to ensure that the people’s voices are heard and their democratic rights respected.
