Fresh details have emerged on why the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State pegged its Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at N1m and N3m for Councillorship and Chairmanship aspirants.
Aspirants have complained about the exorbitant cost, especially amidst economic hardship.
“We observed that majority of those who want to aspire for these positions have something else in mind.
“They think the local governments is a place where they can go and steal money especially now that the Supreme Court has granted Financial autonomy to the Local Governments,” a party source revealed.
Some have appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma to slash the prices.
However, party sources reveal that the high fees aim to separate serious from unserious aspirants.
“We want serious persons to contest for these positions, and you know that all over the world, elections are expensive,” the source added.
The APC’s State Publicity Secretary, Cajethan Duke, stated that the election is not for those without a source of income.
“The election is not meant for people who don’t have a source of income. It’s not meant for people who don’t have money,” Duke told The Nation.
Over 500 aspirants have emerged for Councillorship positions in the party across the State , but the number may dwindle due to the costly forms.