The ruling PDP in Bauchi State yesterday exchanged words with the opposition APC in the state over the latter’s statement that the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) is unprepared for the forthcoming LG elections in the state.

In a statement by its Chairman, Publicity Committee, Malam Saadu Umar, the APC alleged that BSIEC was as unprepared as ever for the elections.

But reacting, the PDP, through its State Publicity Secretary, Yayanuwa Zainabari, described the APC in the state as a non-existent opposition party with members that were not coherent but only given to idle talk.

He said, “From all indications, the APC is not prepared for the elections because it does not have credible candidates that can win elections in the state. Let them just come and join the PDP for a better Bauchi State.”

Meanwhile, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the state condemned BSIEC for “imposing exorbitant fees on political parties for participation in the forthcoming local government chairmanship and councillorship elections scheduled for August 17.”

In a statement, PRPs State Secretary, Hon. Abdulazeez Haruna, said, “This draconian move is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise thousands of youths and women in Bauchi State who are interested in contesting the posts of local government chairmanship and councillorship.”

Daily Trust’s findings revealed that BSIEC pegged the chairmanship nomination form at N250,000, deputy chairmanship’s at N200,000, and councillorship’s at N120,000.

The statement reads in part: “We find it unacceptable that BSIEC is charging political parties for forms when even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not charge political parties for forms. It is important to note that INEC provides forms to political parties free of charge.

“This raises questions about the motives behind BSIEC’s decision to impose such fees. Hence, we urge BSIEC to immediately scrap these fees entirely and provide a level-playing field for all political parties to participate in the elections.” (Daily Trust)

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