The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has explained the rational behind the introduction of what it called “administrative fees” for candidates of the November 16, 2024 local government elections in the State.
The Daily Crucible reports that a lawyer, Moruff Balogun, had in August 10, 2024 berated Babatunde Osibodu – led OGSIEC for engaging in alleged illegality regarding the forthcoming Council elections in the state by demanding payment of administrative fees from aspirants/candidates.
Some politicians in the state also faulted the introduction of the administrative fees by the commission.
Specifically, Balogun described “the introduction of the fees called “administrative fees” i.e N250,000 for chairmanship candidates, N150,000 for councillorship (Male) and N100,000 councillorship (female) by the OGSIEC as a decision that is antithetical to the law creating the commission.
He maintained that the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2006 is clear and explicit on the funds of the commission, stating that
“Section 18(1) of the Law provides that the funds of the commission shall consist of such sums as the state government may from time to time provide.”
According to the activist Lawyer who is the immediate past Vice Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ijebu-Ode, branch, the OGSIEC should not make it look as if the political parties or their candidates were the ones funding the commission.
But defending the introduction of the administrative fees, a member of the commission, Ayodele Bankole, described it as a prudent policy move which aligned with the state’s electoral laws and guidelines.
Bankole, in a release seen by The Daily Crucible, stated that the fees covered essential electoral logistics such as background checks and verification of aspirants’ information, voter registration, staff training, adding that it also encouraged party participation by fostering commitment among political parties through investment in their candidates.
He stated, “As a commission member at the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), I firmly believe our decision to introduce administrative fees for local government elections is a prudent policy move. This approach aligns with the state’s electoral laws and guidelines, ensuring fees are viewed as a necessary contribution to the costs of conducting free, fair, and credible elections at the grassroots level, rather than a barrier to entry.
“On 16th November 2024, the citizenry will have another opportunity to elect leaders at the local government level in Ogun State for another three-year term. It will be free, fair and transparent by every measure of our constitutional responsibility. By focusing on administrative fees, we prioritize transparency, practicality, and sustainability.
“These fees cover essential electoral logistics such as background checks and verification of aspirants’ information, voter registration, staff training, and other key election processes. This approach distinguishes our model from others, where fees are often seen as financially burdensome.
“Our administrative fees approach offers several benefits. Firstly, it upholds democratic principles by maintaining candidate accessibility while ensuring electoral integrity and efficiency. Secondly, it adheres to prevailing legal guidelines, justifying fees as necessary for efficient election management.
“Thirdly, it promotes transparency by clearly outlining fee structures, mitigating confusion and potential disputes. Finally, it encourages party participation by fostering commitment among political parties through investment in their candidates.
“As our commission emphasizes, “People tend to value what they invest in.” This sentiment resonates with our commitment to conducting elections that embody democratic ideals.
“OGSIEC’s administrative fees approach exemplifies policy advocacy in action, striking a delicate balance between electoral integrity, accessibility, and sustainability. This prudent decision underscores our dedication to fostering a transparent and credible electoral process.”
