APC youths seek 70 percent cut in nomination form fees

The youth wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the leadership of the ruling party to reduce the price of nomination forms for young people seeking to contest elections.

In 2019, the price of APC nomination forms for offices of the president, governor, senator and house of representatives were N40 million, N22.5 million, N7 million and N3.5 million, respectively.

In a communique issued on Monday detailing recommendations of the youth conference held on June 23,  Isameel Ahmed, APC national youth leader, called for a 70 percent reduction in the fees for nomination forms.

He also said the party should set up a “Progressives Institute” for the training and nurturing of future leaders.

“Reduce the price of nomination forms for young people below the age 40 to at least 70% of the amount stated,” it reads.

“The Progressives Institute shall have a Progressive Book Guide for all appointees and elected progressive leaders to be immersed into the ideas, ethos and expectations of the progressives.

“Mandate the appointment of at least one youth representative at the Board and Management Team of All MDAs in both the Federal and State Governments.

“Membership of both standing and ad hoc committees of the party at all levels shall be composed of at least two members who shall be persons not more than 45 years.

“Create a directorate of youth affairs headed by a person not more than 40 years as director, who shall be responsible for the organisation of the activities of youth in the party.

“All elected office holders joining/defecting to the APC shall be mandated to undergo a progressive’s induction which would be anchored right from the ward, LG, state and then a mandatory visit to the national secretariat.”