The leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Cross River State has charged the State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) and Governor Bassey Otu, to extend the date of the proposed local government elections by one week, to allow political parties to prepare adequately for the exercise.
IPAC also appealed to the Electoral Commission to review the nomination fees to make it less difficult to all aspirants aspiring for elective positions to meet up given the financial situation in the country at the moment.
IPAC state chairman, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, made the appeal while speaking with LEADERSHIP at the end of IPAC stakeholders meeting in Calabar on Wednesday.
He said that charging exorbitant fees for nomination of candidates would deny individuals with the wit and capacity from joining the race just because they lack the financial resources to join the contest.
IPAC’s presss statement dated September 2, 2024 signed by the chairman, local government affairs and election monitoring committee, Dr. Ekpeyong Ambo, and three others, had solicited for extension of time to enable parties involved in the contest to mke adequate preparation.
IPAC leadership stated that the decision to seek for extension of time and review of nomination fees downward was reached after due consultation with all stakeholders.
“We, however, ask for a one week extension of time to ensure adequate preparation by all political parties.
“We equally appeal to His Excellency, Senator Prince Edet Bassey Otu, to prevail on CROSIEC to review the approved nomination fees considering the financial burden such humongous amount may impact on political party candidates.
“We restate the call for a level playing field for all political parties in the state,” the statement maintained.
IPAC reinstated its willingness to cooperate with both the State government and CROSIEC to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully without any hitch.
