Bauchi State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has condemned the extortionate amounts for nomination and expression of interest forms proposed by some political parties especially the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which proposes the highest outrageous fee ranging from one million to the reviewed N45 million for various elective positions.

A statement recently issued by the Chapter of Chairman, of the body that speaks with the voice of the youth, Comr. Umar Lauya, and Secretary-General, Comr. Kassim A. Gamawaas, said that after attentively listening to the opinions and reactions of the Nigerian citizens especially the teeming youths it decided to take a unanimous stand in regard to the controversial cost of the forms as follows:

“That the Youth Council has in strong terms condemned the outrageous fees for nomination forms because it is unaffordable for our confident and competent youths who are willing and able to partake into real politics.

“We strongly feel disappointed with all Nigerian political parties more especially the APC which is, unfortunately, the party of the ruling government for imposing the highest usurious amount despite the calls and agitation for youth involvement into politics and the assertion of the popular ‘Not Too Youth To Run bill’.

“The forms saga is a slap on the face of APC, the party that was formed by the masses to rescue the country, the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration and the war against corruption because that is where the corruption begins.

“Similarly, the Secretariat of the Youth Council has challenged the group called Nigeria Consolidation Ambassadors Network (NCAN) however, not because of purchasing the nomination form for President Buhari but for picking it at this steeping amount.

“In the same vein, the National Youth Council of Nigeria is also instructing its members nationwide, including the young people who wanted to contest political positions to withdraw their intentions thereby abstaining from voting and or participating into any electioneering activities until when a proper change takes effect,” the statement affirmed.

“Conclusively, the NYCN strongly appeals to the APC, PDP, ANPP, APGA, LP, PDM, KOWA Party and all others active political parties in Nigeria to reduce the cost of nomination forms to the barest minimum so that individuals, particularly the youths and women who aspire to run for political offices can afford such fees,” it advised.

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