By Dansu Peter As preparations intensify for the 2025 Local Government Elections in Lagos State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the...
By Dansu Peter
As preparations intensify for the 2025 Local Government Elections in Lagos State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) have both announced their nomination fees for aspirants — revealing sharp differences in their approach and stirring intense debate among political observers.
The PDP has adopted a remarkably people-centric strategy by waiving nomination fees for all aspirants. Chairmanship, vice chairmanship, and councillorship aspirants will only be required to pay minimal administrative charges of ₦10,000, ₦7,500, and ₦5,000 respectively. According to party officials, these fees are strictly for administrative purposes in line with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) requirements.
In contrast, the Labour Party, led by Lagos State Chairperson Pst. Dr. Mrs. Dayo Ekong and National Chairman Julius Abure, has introduced steep nomination charges that many say contradict the party’s professed commitment to the common man. Under its new fee structure, aspirants for the chairmanship are expected to pay ₦1.5 million, comprising ₦300,000 for the expression of interest form and ₦1.2 million for the nomination form. Councillorship aspirants are required to pay a total of ₦350,000, broken down into ₦100,000 for the expression of interest and ₦250,000 for the nomination form.
While the Labour Party offered fee exemptions to women and persons living with disabilities, critics argue that the overall costs remain prohibitive for the average Nigerian, especially for a party that rose to national prominence by claiming to represent the downtrodden. Many now accuse the LP leadership of exploiting aspirants financially rather than promoting genuine grassroots participation.
“This is hypocrisy at its peak,” said activist Oluwaseun Adeleke. “A party that claims to fight for the poor is now putting up financial barriers that even middle-class Nigerians will struggle to cross. Meanwhile, the PDP is opening its doors wide to all interested aspirants.”
Political analysts have also weighed in, questioning the motives behind Labour Party’s pricing strategy. Tunde Ojo, a political commentator, described the LP’s high nomination fees as a betrayal of the ideals that won it mass support in the 2023 general elections. He further challenged the party’s leadership, asking, "If Labour Party truly stands with the people, why are they charging fees that are even higher than those of the PDP?"
The move has placed the Labour Party leadership under heavy scrutiny, with accusations that Pst. Dr. Mrs. Dayo Ekong and Julius Abure are commercializing the electoral process for personal or organizational profit. Some aggrieved members are even calling for a refund and a reevaluation of the nomination process to reflect the party’s original mission.
As the race for local government positions gathers momentum, the vastly different approaches to nomination fees by PDP and LP are shaping public perception. The PDP's decision to lower financial barriers could widen its appeal among grassroots politicians and ordinary Lagosians, while the Labour Party risks alienating a key segment of its base just when it needs them the most.
Whether voters will favor PDP’s inclusive approach or remain loyal to Labour Party despite growing dissatisfaction remains to be seen as the countdown to the 2025 polls continues.
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