ABSIEC NAMES FEE FOR CHAIRMANSHIP, COUNCILLORSHIP POSITIONS, ADJUSTS ELECTION’S DATE

Abia State Independent Electoral Commission ABSIEC has pegged the fee for nomination forms for Chairmanship position at ₦500,000 while that of Councillorship will go for ₦100,000 each.

ABSIEC Chairman, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, who disclosed this in an expanded meeting with all registered political parties to fashion out modalities on how to conduct a successful election later this year, also urged the leaders of the different political parties to ensure that their candidates purchase the forms ahead of the election.

Prof. Mkpa said the meeting was necessary in order to intimate political parties of the changes the commission has made regarding the forthcoming Local Government election in the State.

He disclosed that a little adjustment has been made in the date of the election from Saturday 19th December to Friday 18th December 2020, noting that, “This is to ensure we accommodate all stakeholders including the religious groups in the State to ensure that everyone participates in the election.”

Prof. Mkpa reiterated the commitment of the Commission to conduct a credible, free and fair election, devoid of rancour, also solicited the support of all the political parties towards ensuring a hitch free election come December.

The ABSIEC Chairman used the opportunity to urge all the political parties to adhere strictly to the electoral guidelines guiding political activities as this would ensure a smooth election

In their responses, the leaders of the different political parties urged the Commission to conduct a successful poll that would truly be adjudged as not just free and fair, but credible and acceptable by the people of the state.

The Chairman of APGA Rev. Augustine Ehiemere called on the Commission to consider a shift in date of the election due to the COVID19 pandemic as this would give the different Political Parties ample opportunity to prepare well for the election.

ABIA ONLINE reports that the meeting which was held at the Commission’s headquarters in Umuahia, had in attendance leaders of all the political parties including the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressive Congress (APC), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA),Young Progressive Party (YPP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), ACCORD PARTY (AP), among others.