The Youth Party has released guidelines and a schedule of activities for the conduct of its primaries ahead of the July 2020 Local Government election in Lagos State.

The party, in a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman Tomiwa Aladekomo and National Secretary, Mujaheed Salisu Ahmad, announced that the party will conduct its primary election on May 28, 2021 ahead of the July 24 date for the local council poll.

The Youth Party also announced 50 percent slash on nomination fee for female aspirants as well as persons with disabilities.

The statement reads: “The Youth Party will conduct its Primary Election on May 28, 2021 ahead of the July 2021 Lagos State Local Government election.

“The decision was reached following the resolution of the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on the conduct of the Party’s primaries for the July 2021 Lagos State Local Government election in conformity with the constitution of the party, the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended), the Lagos State Local Government (Administration) Law, and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) Guidelines.”

“The party hereby releases the Timetable, Guidelines and Schedule of activities for the conduct of its Primary Election as follows: 1. Sale of Forms from May 4th-20th May, 2021 at the Lagos State Chapter Secretariat, 360, Herbert Macaulay, Sabo Yaba, Lagos or online at www.youthpartyng.com. Contact the State Secretary on 0802907065 or the State Organizing Secretary on 08030564264 for further clarification; Screening will take on 21st and 22nd May, 2021; Appeals, 24th and 25th May, 2021; Primaries will hold on 28th May, 2021, while Appeals arising from Primaries takes place 31st May, 2021.”

On obtaining its nomination and expression forms, the party stated: “An aspirant is obtain the Expression of Interest Form from the State Secretariat of the Party or such other place as may be designated by the National Working Committee of the Party, and, on completion, return same to the State Secretariat or scan an email of same to the Party at admin@youthpartyng.com or such other place as may be designated by the National Working Committee.

“An Aspirant is expected to obtain the Nomination form from the State Secretariat of the Party or such other place designated by the National Working Committee of the Party and evidenced upon payment of the prescribed non-refundable fee of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) for Chairmanship, N25,000.00 (Twenty Five Thousand Naira)for Vice Chairmanship and N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) for Councillorship; save that female aspirants and persons with disabilities (PWDs) shall pay 50% (half) of the prescribed nomination fee.”

The statement further read: “Kindly note that guidelines for the primaries are open and accessible for transparency on the party’s website: https://youthpartyng.com. 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 members’ list/voters list for each constituency or elective position will be available to all aspirants without discrimination.

“The Youth 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 primary 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.

Further information and guidelines on the conduct of the July 2021 Lagos Local Government election primaries are available on the Party’s website.