The National Rescue Movement has filed a lawsuit against the Ogun State Independent Election Commission over the controversial administrative charges imposed on candidates in the upcoming November 16 local government election.
At the center of the dispute are the fees announced by OGSIEC Chairman Babatunde Osibodu: N250,000 for chairmanship candidates, N150,000 for male councillorship candidates, and N100,000 for female councillorship candidates.
The NRM contends that these charges are unconstitutional and violate candidates’ eligibility rights.
The party also argues that OGSIEC failed to provide adequate notice and consult with all registered political parties before releasing the election timetable, according to Daily Post.
The NRM is seeking a declaration of illegality, an injunction to halt the election, and an order to postpone the election until proper consultations are held.
Justice S O Adeniyi of the Ogun State High Court has taken up the case, marked AB/741/2024. In his ruling, Justice Adeniyi directed the respondents to file a defense within 72 hours and the claimant to reply within two days. The matter has been adjourned until November 8 for hearing.
The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the upcoming local government election in Ogun State. The NRM’s challenge highlights concerns about electoral processes and the financial burden on candidates.
The plaintiff’s counsel, Adekola Adedeji asked the court to determine whether or not the charges do not violate the eligibility rights of the candidates under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and “is not completely inconsistent with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, Ogun State Electoral Law, 2007”.
The party is seeking the following reliefs:
“A DECLARATION that the Imposition of the payment of the sum of N250,000; N150,000 and N100,000 respectively, by the Defendants on the Claimant’s candidates contesting for the position of the Chairmen and Councillors is illegal, unconstitutional and be declared null and void.
“AN ORDER Of this Honorable Court for an Injunction restraining the 1st Defendant from holding and conducting the Ogun State Local Government Council Elections on the 16th of November, 2024 based on Electoral guidelines dated 8th August, 2024 and signed by Babatunde A. Osibodu Esq, Chairman of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission and set aside the Election Timetable for the said Local Government Council Election.
“AN ORDER of this Honorable Court setting aside the payment of the sum of N250,000, N150,000, and N100,000 imposed by the 1st defendant on the Claimant and their candidates contesting at the Ogun State Local Government Council Elections scheduled for the 16th November 2024.
“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court mandating and directing the 1st Defendant to postpone the Ogun State Local Government Election from the 16th of November, 2024 to a further date to be agreed upon after due and proper consultation with all political parties and stakeholders in the electoral process.”
