The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially rolled out its financial requirements for candidates contesting in the upcoming July 12 local government elections in Lagos State.
According to the election guidelines released by the party on Tuesday, chairmanship hopefuls are required to pay a total of N5.5 million. This includes N5 million for the nomination form and an additional N500,000 as an administrative fee. The guidelines were signed by APC Lagos Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and Secretary, Dr. Adeola Jokomba.
For female chairmanship aspirants, the nomination fee has been reduced to N2.5 million, but the administrative fee remains unchanged at N500,000. Younger aspirants, those under the age of 40, are eligible for a 50% discount on the nomination fee, while still paying the full administrative fee.
In a bid to support inclusivity, the party waived nomination fees entirely for persons with disabilities (PLWDs), though they will still be required to pay a reduced administrative fee of N250,000.
Councillorship positions come with significantly lower fees. Male aspirants are expected to pay N1 million for the nomination form and N100,000 as the administrative fee. Female contenders will only need to pay N250,000 for the form, while their administrative fee stays at N100,000. Youths seeking councillorship posts also enjoy a 50% discount on nomination forms, but no relief on the administrative fee.
PLWDs vying for councillorship seats will receive nomination forms at no cost and pay only N50,000 as the administrative fee.
“There shall not be a separate fee for Vice Chairman. These fees shall be paid by way of bank draft in favour of the All Progressives Congress, Lagos State,” the party said.
To validate their nominations, chairmanship aspirants must secure the support of five registered APC members from their ward and local government or LCDA. Councillorship candidates will need 20 party members, also registered voters in their ward, to back their nomination.
The party also outlined eligibility criteria. All candidates must be Nigerian citizens and meet certain educational standards. A minimum qualification of a school certificate or its equivalent is required, though higher qualifications are considered a plus.
Age requirements were also defined. Those aiming for chairmanship positions must be at least 30 years old, while councillorship aspirants should be at least 25 years of age. Aspirants are also expected to show evidence of party membership, active involvement in party activities, and sign a Code of Conduct.
“Only aspirants cleared by the Screening Committee shall be eligible to stand for election at the party’s primaries,” the guidelines stated.
In addition, any party official seeking to contest must resign from their current post at least 30 days before the date of the election or primary.
