A good governance advocacy group led by Comrade Peter Ezih, has Kicked against a move by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), which allegedly demands that political candidates vying for positions in the upcoming Local Government Area (LGA) elections will be required to pay an exorbitant fee of ₦120,000 to attend a mandatory workshop. This decision has been met with fierce criticism from various quarters, including the Concerned Citizens for a Progressive Enugu State (CCPE), who have condemned the fee as a blatant act of extortion and a direct threat to the democratic process in the state.
Scheduled to hold on the 30th of August at Nike Lake Hotel Enugu, workshop fees details;
Chairmanship Candidates: N120 000.
Deputy Chairmanship Candidates: N70,000.
Councillorshp Candidates: N40,000.
The group leader insisted that this is not acceptable and the exploitation must be resisted.
The CCPE, a prominent advocacy group focused on ensuring transparency and inclusiveness in Enugu's political landscape, has expressed deep concerns about the implications of such a hefty financial demand on aspiring political candidates. In a statement released today, the group denounced the workshop fee as not only excessive but also as a mechanism that could effectively disenfranchise many qualified candidates who lack the financial resources to meet this requirement.
At a time when Enugu State, like much of Nigeria, is grappling with significant economic challenges, the imposition of such a high fee is seen as particularly tone-deaf. The state is currently facing high unemployment rates, inflation, and a cost-of-living crisis that has put a strain on many households. In this context, the decision by ENSIEC to demand such a large sum from candidates raises questions about the commission’s commitment to broadening the political landscape and ensuring a level playing field for all potential leaders.
"This fee is a clear barrier to democracy," said a spokesperson for the CCPE. "It will undoubtedly prevent many capable and deserving individuals from participating in the upcoming elections simply because they cannot afford to pay. This not only limits the pool of candidates but also undermines the very foundation of our democratic system, which should be built on inclusiveness and equal opportunity for all."
The CCPE has called on ENSIEC to reconsider this decision, urging the commission to lower the workshop fee to a more affordable level or, better yet, eliminate it entirely. The group argues that ENSIEC's primary role should be to facilitate and promote democratic processes, not to impose financial burdens that could restrict participation.
In their statement, the CCPE also demanded greater transparency and accountability from ENSIEC regarding the rationale behind the fee and how the funds will be used. "The commission must be clear about why this fee is necessary and where the money will go," the statement read. "We cannot allow the commodification of democracy in Enugu State."
The reaction to ENSIEC's fee announcement has been overwhelmingly negative, with many citizens and political observers expressing concern that this could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. If such fees become the norm, they argue, it could pave the way for a political system that favors only the wealthy and well-connected, further entrenching inequality in the state.
While the date for the LGA elections approaches, all eyes will be on ENSIEC to see whether they will heed the calls for change or push forward with a decision that could have lasting repercussions on the democratic process in Enugu State.
For now, the CCPE and other advocacy groups have vowed to continue their fight against what they see as an unjust and undemocratic policy, urging all concerned citizens to join them in demanding a more equitable political system.
For further information; contact the leadership of Concerned Citizens for Progress of Enugu State (CCPE)
Comr Peter Ezih
(Chairman/Converner)
Phone: +234 808 990 3628
Eke Godfrey Chimezie
(Spokesperson)
