The Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) has expressed strong opposition to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) over its decision to increase nomination fees for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for July 12.

LASIEC announced new rates of N150,000 for chairmanship aspirants, N75,000 for vice chairmanship, and N50,000 for councillorship aspirants. The move has drawn backlash from IPAC, which said it contradicts earlier agreements.

IPAC Chairperson, Temilola Akinade, said, “She asked us to advise her on the fees, and we proposed either a 50 per cent reduction or a complete waiver. At the very least, we expected the old rate of N100,000 for chairmanship and N75,000/N50,000 for councillors to be maintained.”

According to Akinade, LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), had previously promised greater consultation. “She even called me afterwards to apologise for any perceived shortcomings and pledged to carry us along. So I thought things were improving,” she added.

However, LASIEC clarified that administrative fees would be waived for female candidates and persons with disabilities. “Nomination of a female candidate and persons living with disabilities for any of the elective positions shall attract no administrative fees,” the public notice read.

The deadline for submission of nomination forms is May 22, while candidate verification is scheduled for June 30. The final list will be released on July 1.

Justice Okikiolu-Ighile cautioned political parties against voter inducement and divisive rhetoric. “Campaigns or addresses must not be based on sectional, ethnic, or religious sentiments or prejudice. Bribery and other forms of inducement must be avoided,” she warned.