Kwara LG Elections: PDP's Commitment To Inclusivity, Accessibility, Transparency; A Beacon Of Hope For Democratic Governance

By Funsho Abdulmalik

The upcoming local government elections in Kwara State have brought to light concerns about the affordability and inclusiveness of the political process. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed exorbitant prices for its nomination/intent forms, charging the sum of N250,000 for counselorship positions, while members of the party willing to secure tickets for chairmanship positions will have to cough out a whooping N1million. In stark contrast, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demonstrated a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, fixing cost of its forms at ₦25,000 for counselorship aspirants and ₦100,000 for chairmanship aspirants. This disparity raises important questions about the APC's intentions.

In a time of economic hardship, setting such steep prices for intent forms is seen as a barrier to participation. The high cost may discourage capable and passionate individuals from running for office, limiting the pool of candidature to those who can afford the fees. This raises questions about the democratic process and whether it genuinely reflects the will of the people. Charging such exorbitant fees for nomination forms could also be seen as an invitation to corruption. The APC must reconsider these fees to ensure a fair and inclusive election where the most competent and committed individuals have the opportunity to serve their communities.

Additionally, the APC’s decision to adopt a consensus mode for selecting its candidates is another point of contention. While consensus can be an effective way to unify the party and avoid divisive primaries, it is crucial that this process is carried out with transparency and thorough consultation. All relevant stakeholders must be involved in the decision-making process to ensure that the chosen candidates truly represent the interests and aspirations of the people. The primary focus should be on selecting individuals who are competent and have a genuine commitment to grassroots development.

Local government officials play a critical role in the day-to-day lives of citizens. They are responsible for implementing policies and managing resources that directly affect communities. Therefore, it is important that the candidates chosen, regardless of party affiliation, are competent and dedicated to improving the lives of their people. The APC and other political parties must prioritize the selection of capable leaders who have a clear vision and a track record of service.

As the elections approach, it is essential for all political parties to consider the long-term impact of their candidate selections. The PDP and other parties must also prioritize competence and inclusivity in their processes. By choosing the right leaders, only then they can ensure that local governments are run effectively and that the needs of the people are met.

Furthermore, the PDP is to be commended for conducting a successful, transparent and well-coordinated primary process, particularly for the chairmanship positions. Their ability to announce results without victimization or the use of thuggery sets a positive example of how democratic processes should be managed. Such practices not only enhance the credibility of the party but also build public trust in the electoral system.

On the other hand, the postponement of deadline for primaries by KWASIEC is disappointing as it seems KWASIEC is taking instructions directly from the APC. Such delays can generate crises within a serious political party that ought to have concluded its primary. KWASIEC must be well-coordinated and transparent in the discharge of their duties to avoid unnecessary disruptions and ensure a smooth electoral process and shut down any rumor of being controlled or manipulated by the rulling party.

It is also evident that this forthcoming local government election will be markedly different from previous ones. There is a palpable zeal among the people who are eager to participate in the electoral process after five years of governance under the imposed TIC by the governor. This enthusiasm reflects a renewed hope for democratic governance and the opportunity for citizens to have their voices heard and their choices respected.

• Funsho Abdulmalik writes from Gaa Aremu, Ilorin.

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