The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi State Chapter, has condemned the exorbitant fees levied on political parties to participation in the forthcoming local government chairmanship and councillorship elections slated for August 17, 2024.
In a statement signed by the Bauchi State Chapter secretary of the party, Malam Abdulazeez Haruna, the party maintained that the move would disenfranchise youth and women in Bauchi State who are interested in contesting in the elections.
It said the party considers the fee announced by the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC), as an outrageous and unreasonable demand that contradicts the principles of free and fair elections.
The statement further lamented on the fee to be paid by political parties for the acquisition of interest form which it said should ordinarily be free.
It urged BASIEC to immediately scrap these fees entirely and provide a levelled play field for all political parties to participate in the election.
The statement alleged that the 2020 local government elections in Bauchi State were marred by blatant manipulation and rigging, which the party outrightly condemned, adding that such practice will not be tolerate again.
It therefore, called on BASIEC to conduct a credible and fair election that reflects the will of the people and respects the democratic rights of citizens.
While stating that it will continue to monitor developments, the Bauchi State Chapter of the People's Redemption Party noted that it will not hesitate to take all necessary actions to ensure that democracy and people's will are protected and respected.