-
Ebonyi APC pegs LG chairmanship form at N30m, triggering outrage across the state
-
Critics say the N30m fee excludes grassroots politicians and fuels corruption
-
Controversy deepens as Umahi’s son buys form ahead of August 2026 LG polls
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has sparked widespread outrage after fixing the cost of its local government chairmanship nomination form at N30 million.
The development was disclosed by the state APC chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, following a closed-door meeting with party officials from the state’s 13 local government areas and 171 wards.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
According to Emegha, the N30 million covers both the expression of interest and nomination forms for chairmanship aspirants, while councillorship forms were fixed at N250,000.
He explained that sales of forms for delegates and councillors commenced on January 8, while chairmanship forms were sold between January 9 and January 19, ahead of the scheduled local government elections in August 2026.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from political observers, civil society groups and residents, who argue that the high cost effectively shuts out grassroots politicians and ordinary party members, turning local elections into a contest for only the wealthy and politically connected.
Data from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) shows that the total salary and allowances of a local government chairman over a four-year tenure fall below N30 million, a reality that has further intensified criticism of the fee.
Many analysts warned that the pricing could encourage corruption, as elected officials may see public office as an opportunity to recover their financial “investment.”
Public anger has also played out on social media, with critics describing the move as “money politics” and a betrayal of democratic ideals.
The controversy escalated further after Osbourne Umahi, son of former Ebonyi State governor and current Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, purchased the N30 million form to contest the Ohaozara Local Government Area chairmanship.
While party supporters praised him as a capable youth with leadership potential, critics argued that the development highlights how the high nomination fee favours political families and entrenched power blocs.
Despite the backlash, some APC officials defended the cost, insisting it would ensure only serious and committed aspirants emerge.
As party primaries draw closer, debate continues to rage over whether the N30 million fee promotes discipline or undermines democratic participation at the grassroots level.
For many Ebonyi residents, the decision reinforces fears that local leadership is steadily slipping beyond the reach of the average citizen.
For publication of Press Releases, Statements, and Advert Inquiries, send an email to info@dailyreport.ng
