Lagos Local Government Election: Thank You Lagosians

We wish to thank our members, supporters and voters for supporting and voting for our candidates at the Saturday, 12th July, 2025, Lagos State Local Government Elections. We are grateful for your exceptional support with your time, resources and votes.

Expectedly, the Lagos State Local Government Elections were shambolic and blatantly rigged against our candidates with reckless and shameless abandon. From the onset, LASIEC was designed to be openly partisan. It was packed with openly competitive APC politicians as Commissioners. No proper notice was issued for the election. The voters register was not displayed in consonance with the law. Our candidates were harassed and intimidated by LASIEC under guise of verification. And, invited to DSS for “profiling” as part of the intimidation campaign.

On Election Day, LASIEC officially sanctioned rigging by allowing APC supporters to vote without voter’s cards. No card reader. No BVAS. Ballot stuffing and Multiple thumb printing were the order of the day in Ward B1, Lagos Island Local Government. Voting materials were either not brought or arrived very late in Eti Osa Local Government . Generally, the voter’s turn out was exceptionally low and less than 5% of the registered voters turned out to vote. However, the rigged results shockingly and shamelessly reflected a 20-30% voters turn out.

Nonetheless, the election showed a considerable love for our Party. We were obviously the preferred party without rigging as we beat all the parties in the constituencies where we ran.  We dominated the elections against AA, PDP, ZLP  and others.

Our Party will review the results and take a considered decision on the rigged outcome of the elections.  Once again, we thank you for your exceptional support.

Let’s “Shape the Future” together.

 Francisco Doregos                                                                                                                                               Chair                                                                                                                                                                     Youth Party                                                                                                                                                                 Lagos Chapter   

PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDELINES RELEASED FOR THE 2025 BYE-ELECTIONS.

bye elections

Youth Party is set to conduct its Primary Elections in preparation for the Bye-Elections scheduled to hold on 16th August, 2025 in line with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guideline.

Here is to announce that Youth Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has issued guidelines for the conduct of the Party’s primaries for the Bye-Elections scheduled to hold on 16th August, 2025 in conformity with the INEC Guidelines on the conduct of party primaries .

Furthermore, in compliance with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guideline the Timetable and Schedule of activities for the conduct of the Bye-Elections is as follows:

S/N

ACTIVITIES

TIMELINE

1.

Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms

7th – 17th July, 2025

2.

Screening

18th July, 2025

3.

Appeals

19th July, 2025

4.

Primaries

20th July, 2025

5.

Appeals arising from Primaries

21st July, 2025

The Party has made Expression of Interest and nomination Forms available online

https://youthpartyng.com/elections/ from 7th – 17th July 2025.

Find below the fees for the Purchase of Forms:

S/N

Position

Expression                            of

Interest Form

Nomination

Form

Total

1.

Senate

₦ 750,000

₦4,250,000

₦ 5,000,000

2.

House Of Representative

₦ 250,000

₦ 2,250,000

₦ 3,000,000

3.

House Of Assembly

₦ 125,000

₦ 375,000

₦ 500,000

Female aspirants and persons with disabilities (PWD) shall pay 50% (half) of the prescribed nomination fee.

Youth – 25 to 40 years shall pay 50% (half) of the prescribed nomination fee.

All Payments should be made directly to the bank account below.

Account Name: Youth Party Primaries

Bank: Zenith

Account No: 1015846526

Youth Party primaries guideline and further information are available on the Party’s website: click to download

Kindly note that the primaries as stated above will be conducted on the basis of One Member One Vote (OMOV); no delegates or super delegates. All party members are entitled to vote. Our Nomination Forms are affordable. Voting will be innovative and convenient as we are adopting electronic means: online and SMS. It will be secured, monitored by candidates and INEC, and secret as required by the law. The guidelines for the primaries are open and accessible for transparency. The members’ list/voters list for each constituency or elective position will be available to all aspirants without discrimination.

The Party is committed to expanding the democratic space by providing a level playing field for all aspirants on its platform. We encourage anyone who aspires to contest in a free and fair primaries to join the Party at www.youthpartyng.com/join-movement/. Likewise, persons interested in voting for a candidate of their choice in a party primaries without fear or favour, are encouraged to join the Party. The Party preaches transparent political leadership and followership that frowns at money politics, bribery, violence, ‘short termism’, repression and corruption.

PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDELINES RELEASED FOR THE 2026 FCT AREA COUNCIL ELECTIONS.

Youth Party is set to conduct its Primary Elections in preparation for the 2026 FCT Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Terittory in line with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the  Independent National Electoral Commission  guideline.

Here is to announce that Youth Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has issued guidelines for the conduct of the Party’s primaries for the  2026 FCT Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Terittory scheduled to be held on 21st  February, 2026 in conformity with the Independent National Electoral Commission  guidelines on the conduct of party primaries .

Furthermore, in compliance with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission guideline the Timetable and Schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2026 FCT Area Council Primary Elections in the Federal Capital Terittory is as follows:

 

 

S/N

 

ACTIVITIES

 

TIMELINE

 

1.

 

Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms

 

21st April- 25th June, 2025

 

2.

 

Screening

 

26th June, 2025

 

3.

 

Screening Appeal

 

27th June, 2025

 

4.

 

 Primaries

 

28th June, 2025

 

5.

 

Appeal from Primaries

 

29th June, 2025

 

 

 

The Party has made  Expression of Interest and nomination  Forms available  on the Party’s website https://youthpartyng.com/elections/   .

 

Find below the fees for the Purchase of Forms:

S/N

Position

Expression of Interest Form

Nomination Form

1.

Chairmanship

N50,000

N500,000

2.

Councillorship

N15,000

N150,000

 

  • Female aspirants and persons with disabilities(PWD) shall pay 50% (half ) ofthe prescribed nomination fee. l
  • Youth – 25 to 40 years shall pay 50% (half ) of the prescribed nomination fee.

 All Payments should be made directly to the bank account below.

Account Name: Youth Party Primaries

Bank: Zenith

Account No: 1015846526

 

The Youth Party primaries guideline and further information are available on the Party’s website https://shorturl.at/slh7F  .

Kindly note that the primaries as stated above will be conducted on the basis of One Member One Vote (OMOV); no delegates or super delegates. All party members are entitled to vote. Our Nomination Forms are affordable. Voting will be innovative and convenient as we are adopting electronic means: online and SMS. It will be secured, monitored by candidates and INEC, and secret as required by the law. The guidelines for the primaries are open and accessible for transparency. The members’ list/voters list for each constituency or elective position will be available to all aspirants without discrimination.

The Party is committed to expanding the democratic space by providing a level playing field for all aspirants on its platform. We encourage anyone who aspires to contest in a free and fair primaries to join the Party at www.youthpartyng.com/join-movement/. Likewise, persons interested in voting for a candidate of their choice in a party primaries without fear or favour, are encouraged to join the Party. The Party preaches transparent political leadership and followership that frowns at money politics, bribery, violence, ‘short termism’, repression and corruption.

 

Helen Adoh

Ag. National Secretary

 

 

 

PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDELINES RELEASED FOR THE LAGOS STATE 2025 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS.

Lagos elections

Youth Party is set to conduct its Primary Elections in preparation for the Local Government elections in Lagos State in line with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission  guideline.

Here is to announce that Youth Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has issued guidelines for the conduct of the Party’s primaries for the  Local Government elections in Lagos State scheduled to be held on 12th July, 2025 in conformity with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission Guidelines on the conduct of party primaries .

Furthermore, in compliance with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission guideline the Timetable and Schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2025 Local Government Primary Elections in Lagos State is as follows:

 

 

S/N

 

ACTIVITIES

 

TIMELINE

 

1.

 

Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms

 

21st April – 15th May, 2025

 

2.

 

Screening

 

16th May, 2025

 

3.

 

Screening Appeal

 

17th May, 2025

 

4.

 

 Primaries

 

18th May, 2025

 

5.

 

Appeal from Primaries

 

19th May, 2025

 

 

 

The Party has made  Expression of Interest and nomination  Forms available  on the Party’s website https://youthpartyng.com/elections/   .

 

Find below the fees for the Purchase of Forms:

S/N

Position

Expression of Interest Form

Nomination Form

1.

Chairmanship

N50,000

N500,000

2.

Councillorship

N15,000

N150,000

 

  • Female aspirants and persons with disabilities(PWD) shall pay 50% (half ) ofthe prescribed nomination fee. l
  • Youth – 25 to 40 years shall pay 50% (half ) of the prescribed nomination fee.

 All Payments should be made directly to the bank account below.

Account Name: Youth Party Primaries

Bank: Zenith

Account No: 1015846526

 

The Youth Party primaries guideline and further information are available on the Party’s website .

Kindly note that the primaries as stated above will be conducted on the basis of One Member One Vote (OMOV); no delegates or super delegates. All party members are entitled to vote. Our Nomination Forms are affordable. Voting will be innovative and convenient as we are adopting electronic means: online and SMS. It will be secured, monitored by candidates and INEC, and secret as required by the law. The guidelines for the primaries are open and accessible for transparency. The members’ list/voters list for each constituency or elective position will be available to all aspirants without discrimination.

The Party is committed to expanding the democratic space by providing a level playing field for all aspirants on its platform. We encourage anyone who aspires to contest in a free and fair primaries to join the Party at www.youthpartyng.com/join-movement/. Likewise, persons interested in voting for a candidate of their choice in a party primaries without fear or favour, are encouraged to join the Party. The Party preaches transparent political leadership and followership that frowns at money politics, bribery, violence, ‘short termism’, repression and corruption.

 

Helen Adoh

Ag. National Secretary

 

Youth Party Not Part of “Forum of the National Youth Leaders Forum of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNLYLPPN)

Youth Party hereby dissociates itself from a group of individuals who have been unlawfully impersonating and misrepresenting our Party as associates or representatives at the Forum of the National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNLYLPPN). Most importantly, we vehemently states that Youth Party is not a part of the aforesaid Forum of the National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria (FNLYLPPN) and it is not associated with it in any way. Or, intend to be part of it. We were reliably informed that certain individuals have been falsely claiming to be in affiliation with Youth Party, causing confusion, spreading misinformation, and misdirecting the public and media with claims of influence over political activities associated with our Party. They were also reportedly fraudulently collecting monies on behalf of our great Party. Anyone giving any financial inducement to anyone on behalf of our party does so at his or her own risk The activities they are engaged in does not represent the ideologies, values, mission, or goals of Youth Party and we totally condemn such actions. As a Party committed to upholding transparency, fairness, and accountability, we are taking immediate steps to investigate these fraudulent activities and will not hesitate to involve the relevant law enforcement agencies to address any illegal actions arising from this situation. The perpetrators of this deception will be held fully accountable for their actions. We also want to reassure our members and the general public that Youth Party remains focused on its core principles of integrity, service to the people, and the advancement of democratic values. Any individuals or groups who engage in activities that mislead or manipulate the public for personal or political gain do not represent the ideals for which our Party was founded and stands for.

ANAMBRA STATE 2025 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION.

Youth Party is set to conduct its Primary Elections in preparation for the Anambra State 2025 Gubernatorial Election scheduled to hold on 8th November, 2025 in line with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guideline.

Here is to announce that the Youth Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has issued guidelines for the conduct of the Party’s primaries for the Anambra State 2025 Gubernatorial Election scheduled to be held on 8th November, 2025  in conformity with the INEC Guidelines on the conduct of party primaries .

Furthermore, in compliance with the Electoral Act (2010) (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guideline the Timetable and Schedule of activities for the conduct of the Anambra 2025 State Gubernatorial Election are as follows:

 

 

S/N

 

ACTIVITIES

 

TIMELINE

 

1.

 

Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms

15th January –

1st April, 2025

 

2.

 

Screening

5th April 2025

 

3.

 

Appeals

6th April 2025

 

4.

 

 Primaries

9th April 2025

 

5.

 

Appeals arising  from Primaries

10th April 2025

 

The Party has made  Expression of Interest and nomination  Forms available  on the Party’s website https://youthpartyng.com/elections/   .

 

Find below the fees for the Purchase of Forms:

S/N

Position

Expression of Interest Form

Nomination Form

Total

1.

Governor

₦5,000,000

₦20,000,000

₦25,000,000

 

  • Female aspirants and persons with disabilities(PWD) shall pay 50% (half ) ofthe prescribed nomination fee. l
  • Youth – 25 to 40 years shall pay 50% (half ) of the prescribed nomination fee.

 All Payments should be made directly to the bank account below.

Account Name: Youth Party Primaries

Bank: Zenith

Account No: 1015846526

The Youth Party primaries guideline and further information are available on the Party’s website:

Kindly note that the primaries as stated above will be conducted on the basis of One Member One Vote (OMOV); no delegates or super delegates. All party members are entitled to vote. Our Nomination Forms are affordable. Voting will be innovative and convenient as we are adopting electronic means: online and SMS. It will be secured, monitored by candidates and INEC, and secret as required by the law. The guidelines for the primaries are open and accessible for transparency. The members’ list/voters list for each constituency or elective position will be available to all aspirants without discrimination.

The Party is committed to expanding the democratic space by providing a level playing field for all aspirants on its platform. We encourage anyone who aspires to contest in a free and fair primaries to join the Party at www.youthpartyng.com/join-movement/. Likewise, persons interested in voting for a candidate of their choice in a party primaries without fear or favour, are encouraged to join the Party. The Party preaches transparent political leadership and followership that frowns at money politics, bribery, violence, ‘short termism’, repression and corruption.

 

 

Ayodele Adio

Ag. National Publicity Secretary

VAT ACT: PUT YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER, YP TELLS APC

VAT ACT.

While our party supports the tax reform bills, we condemn the dysfunctional manner of their proposed enactment through the National Assembly. We argue that the APC Government is unnecessarily dividing the country along ethnic and geographical lines without thoroughly examining the legal and political feasibility of the bills, particularly the VAT Act.

Clearly, the lack of consensus within the ruling party and among its governors has triggered internal conflicts capable of sabotaging the merits of the proposed bills. A situation where the National Economic Council, membered by 36 state governors (22 of whom are members of the APC) and chaired by the Vice President, have called for the withdrawal of the bill suggests the need for wider consultation. Similarly, the openly contradictory positions between the Senate President and his deputy, both of whom are members of the ruling party, on the suspension of the legislative process, calls for concern.

Nigeria faces critical challenges that underscore its urgent need for comprehensive revenue generation. Currently, our tax income is one of the lowest in the world at 8% to GDP. 4th lowest globally and 2nd lowest in Africa. The country ranks first in out-of-school children, with an alarming infant mortality rate where one in ten Nigerians dies before age five. Healthcare remains inadequate, and police forces are unequipped, untrained, and unfit for 21st-century policing. These systemic issues are compounded by a significant revenue problem characterized by high recurrent expenditure and mounting national debt.

Thus, the tax reform bills align with our 2020 Bold Revenue Policy, advocating for increasing tax income through strategic approaches. We proposed reducing tax rates, expanding the tax base particularly for corporate entities, eliminating multiple taxation, and simplifying tax administration.

Constitutionally, Sections 12, 162, and 163 suggest VAT/Consumption tax is on the concurrent legislative list, meaning the Federal Government can only legislate on inter-state transactions. Consequently, the VAT bill’s provisions relating to intra state consumption tax conflicts with the constitution, potentially inviting significant legal challenges.

VAT is a tax on consumption. VAT is paid where consumption is done. Constitutionally and based on various judicial decisions like the Supreme Court decision in Aberuagba v. Ogun State, there are two types of VAT. The VAT collected on intra State trade belongs to the State of derivation, while those on inter State trade are for the Federal Government to share at FAAC. All VAT collected by the Customs on importation also goes to FAAC. If the bill is passed as is, it would face needless legal challenges and uncertainties. Similarly, the Supreme Court held in A.G. Of Lagos v. Eko Hotel that VAT and Consumption Tax are the same and amount to double taxation on consumers.

Our recommended approach involves passing the bills piecemeal with the uncontroversial ones initially. And, VAT after wider consultation. Also, the outcome of the wider consultation and alignment can be implemented by each state promulgating or amending a consumption tax law at 7.5%, applicable to transactions by individuals and businesses within their jurisdiction. Whilst, the National Assembly passes consumption tax for inter state transactions Corporate-to-corporate transaction taxes.

While a constitutional amendment could provide a comprehensive solution, this may not be time efficient. Therefore, we suggest passing the other less controversial bills and suggest wider consultations on the VAT bill.

FEEDBACK ON THE PROPOSED LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION BILL – LAGOS STATE

October 23, 2024

The Honourable Speaker,

RT Hon. Mudashiru Obasa

Lagos State House of Assembly,

Alausa,

Ikeja,

Lagos.

Dear Sir,

RE: FEEDBACK ON THE PROPOSED LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION BILL

We write on behalf of the Youth Party regarding the proposed Local Government Administration Bill currently under consideration by the House. While we commend the Legislature’s efforts to strengthen local governance, we have identified several provisions that warrant careful reconsideration to ensure the bill achieves its intended objectives while maintaining democratic principles.

We are hopeful that these amendments, if considered, could further enhance the bill’s potential to strengthen local governance and uphold democratic principles.Of particular concern is Section 30(1), which addresses the removal and suspension of local government officials. Our detailed analysis reveals potential implications for local government autonomy and democratic accountability that merit thoughtful deliberation.

We contend that nothing in this draft provides fair hearing or the opportunity for a defence before this conclusion is arrived at. We suggest an additional section to provide for an independent panel, set up and chaired by the Chief Judge of Lagos state that will review the defence of the accused chairman and make recommendations to the House of Assembly.

Since elected local government chairmen hold executive office like Governors and the President, we believe the same process that holds for the impeachment of a governor should hold for the Local Government Chairman.

The process for impeaching a Governor of a State in Nigeria is contained in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. We reproduce the steps below which we recommend for adoption.

Step 1

A notice of any allegation in writing alleging gross misconduct on the part of the Governor. This notice must be signed by not less than one-third of the members of the State House of Assembly is presented to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

Step 2

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly must within 7 days, serve the Governor of the State and each member of the State House of Assembly with a copy of the

Step 3

The Governor has a right of reply (he/she does not have to reply however), and any such statement in reply to the allegation must be served on each member of the State House of Assembly.

Step 4

Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the State House of Assembly shall resolve by motion without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated. This motion needs to be passed by at least two-thirds majority of all members of the State House of Assembly.

Step 5

If the motion fails to reach the required majority, the process immediately stops, and no further action will be taken. However, if the required majority is obtained and the motion is passed, then the Speaker of the State House of Assembly will within 7 days of the passing of the motion, request the Chief Judge of the State to appoint a Panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity to investigate the allegations. The members of the Panel cannot be members of any public service, legislative house or political party.

Step 6

The Panel is to report its findings within thee months of being appointed. The findings will be reported to the State House of Assembly. During the proceedings of the Panel, the Governor shall have a right to defend himself, and shall also have the right to be defended by a legal practitioner of his/her choice.

Step 7

Where the Panel reports that the allegation has not been proven, there will be no further action. However, if the report is that the allegation against the Governor has been proven, then the State House of Assembly will consider the report, and a resolution for the adoption of the report shall be moved.

Step 8

For the resolution to be adopted, it must be supported by not less than two-thirds majority of all the member the State House of Assembly. Once adopted the Governor shall stand removed from office as from the date of the adoption of the report.Section 30 (4) reads “Nothing in this section shall prevent the Governor from suspending any Chairman, Vice-Chairman or any elected official! political appointee of any Local Government Area in the interest of peace, order and good governance of the State.” We believe this provision should be expunged given that local government chairmen are duly elected with a term limit and should not be subject to dismissal by the Governor. The Supreme Court has also decided that Governors lack the powers to suspend or remove elected local government chairmen.

The Supreme Court, in faulting the law purportedly relied on by Fayemi to dissolve the local government administration, held that Section 23(b) of the Ekiti State Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law, 2001, which empowered the governor to dissolve local government councils, whose tenure was yet to expire, violated section 7(1) of the Constitution from which the state House of Assembly derived the power to enact the local government law.

Justice Centus Nweze, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the tenure of the local government councils could not be abridged without violating the supreme constitutional provisions.

Section 4(1-8) reads that “There shall be thirty-seven (37) Area Administrative Councils in the State with the names specified in Schedule Il of the Creation of Local Government Areas (Amendment) Law of 2004. Each Local Government’s Area Administrative Councils shall be headed by Area Administrative Secretaries who shall be appointed by the Governor subject to the confirmation of the House. Each Area Administrative Council shall be funded by the Local Government Area under which it falls. Each Local Government Area has the power to delegate any of its functions to the Area Administrative Council falling within the territory of the Local Government Area.

4(5) The functions of an Area Administrative Council shall include-

(a) every duty of a Local Government in its area of delincation;

(b) any duty assigned to it by any law of the House; or

(c) executive directives of the Governor of Lagos State.

4(6) Each Area Administrative Council may employ such staff as it may consider necessary for the optimal execution of its development programme.

4(8) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other law, each Area Administrative Council will retain all the rights, interests, obligations and liabilities which became vested in or attached to it under any contract or instrument, or in law or equity, at the time it was operating as a Local Government Area;We contend that Area Administrative Councils are not recognized by the federal constitution and cannot befit from funding that should accrue to Local Governments. Furthermore, that the Area Admirative Secretaries will be appointed already show they do not have the mandate of the people and should not be entrusted with the people’s resources as they are not accountable to the electorate.

Section 5(2) reads “The Local Government Councils shall have the power to create more wards in addition to the existing wards in the State and there shall be appointed more councillors to oversee such wards.

We contend that local government councils do not have the powers to create additional wards should not be entrusted with that responsibility. Additionally, councillors are elected to represent wards and not appointed. Hence the creation of new wards, and the appointment of councillors are an anomaly.

Thank you and God bless you.

Signed

Ayodele Adio                                                Dr Umar Muhammad

National Publicity Secretary                          National Chair

 

 

MEMORANDUM TO NATIONAL ASSEMBLY – 2ND SEPTEMBER, 2024

Memorandum to national assembly
  1.  State Financial Grant Towards Administrative and Policy Development Costs of Political Parties

Currently, political parties in Nigeria does not get any sort of financial support from the Federal Government towards any of their activities. It is our humble submission that administrative and policy development cost should be entitled to a financial grant but not campaign expenses. In essence, we submit that it is in the public interest for the Electoral Act 2022 to be amended to provide for financial grant towards administrative and policy development costs.

The following are part of the rationale for public funding of parties:

  1. It limits the impact of private money on democracy, ensuring that public interest guides political behavior. It protects the parties from moneybags or limits their influence. And, also prevent the capture the government by moneybags.
  1. State funding promotes justice, equal opportunity, and political competitiveness, especially benefiting smaller parties.
  1. Thirdly, it reduces private influence, curbing corruption through regulated contributions and spending.
  1. Party politics’ costs rise, public funding becomes essential for democratic progress, allowing parties to focus on their campaigns effectively.
  1. It is in line with global best practices. 60% of democratic countries support political parties financially including Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, Israel, Canada, Australia, Austria, Spain, France, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland and many others.

There are two categories of public funding: direct and indirect. In a sample of over 180 nations, 25% provide no public funding, 58% provide direct funding, and 60% provide indirect funding. 1 Direct funding of grant towards administrative and policy development expenses. And, indirect grant by allowing the political parties a regulated slot and access to state broadcasting institutions.

In conclusion, we submit that it is in the public interest to provide financial grant to political parties so they can adhere to principles that keep them free from the influence of moneybags who, by hook or by crook, seeks to acquire political power or influence.

  1. Admissibility of Electronic Versions of Voters Register

The election petition rules should allow for the admissibility of electronic versions of voters register in the form of protected hard drives that are usually issued to all political parties by INEC before the commencement of any election. The current procedure that requires obtaining certified true copies of the voters register from INEC is frustrating, cumbersome and outdated. Even the sheer volume of the documents will discourage the judges from going through them.

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