IPAC begs CROSIEC for extension of LG Polls in C’River

..Review nomination fees

From Ene Asuquo,Calabar

Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC has appealed to Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission CROSIElC and the state Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to extend the date for conduct of proposed local government elections by one week to pave way for parties jostling to contest the October 26,2026 local government council elections do adequate preparation.

Inter-Party Advisory Council also solicited for the review of nomination fees which it’s said is outrageous so that people with capacity but have low financial income can as well aspire for political positions giving the financial situation in the country

IPAC chairman in Cross River State Effiom Edet Okon made the appeal while speaking with our correspondent at the end of IPAC’s stakeholders meeting Wednesday in Calabar.

He said that pegging the nomination forms at exorbitant fee would deny individuals with the wit and capacity from joining the race just because the lacked the financial resources

IPAC statement dated September 2,2024 signed by chairman, local government affairs and election monitoring committee, Dr. Ekpeyong Ambo, Secretary and two others solicited for extension of election date to enable parties involved in the contest make adequate preparation.

IPAC leadership stated that the decision to seek for extension of the election date and review of domination fees was reached after due consultation with all stakeholders.

“We, however, ask for a one week extension of time to ensure adequate preparation by all political parties.

“We equally appeal to His Excellency, Edet Bassey Otu to prevail on CROSIEC to review the approved nomination fees considering the financial burden such a humongous amount may impact on political party candidates.

” We restate the call for a level playing field for all political parties in the state” The statement maintained.

IPAC reinstated it willingness to cooperate with both the Government and CROSIEC to ensure a hitch- free elections in the state