By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The Cross River State chapter of the Inter-Party Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has called on the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission, CROSIElC, and the state governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to extend the date for the conduct of local government elections, scheduled for October 26, 2026, in the state by one week to enable parties jostling for elections make adequate preparation.
IPAC also solicited for the review of nomination fees, which it said is outrageous, so that people with capacity to lead but have low financial income can as well aspire for political positions giving the current financial situation in the country.
IPAC chairman in Cross River State, Engr. Effiom Edet, Okon, made the appeal while answering questions from journalists shortly after a stakeholders’ meeting convened by IPAC came to an end on Wednesday in Calabar.
The chairman stated that pegging the nomination forms at exorbitant rate would deny aspirants with wit and capacity the privilege to join the race just because they lacked the financial resources to jostle for the race.
An IPAC statement dated September 2, 2024 and signed by the chairman, Local Government Affairs and Election Monitoring Committee, Dr. Ekpeyong Ambo, alongside the Secretary and two others solicited for extension of election date to enable parties involved in the contest make adequate preparation.
IPAC leadership stated that the decision to seek for extension of the election date and review of nominate fees was reached after due consultation with all stakeholders.
He enthused, “We, however, ask for one week extension of time to ensure adequate preparation by all political parties.
“We equally appeal to His Excellency; Senator Prince Edet Bassey Otu to prevail on CROSIEC to review the approved nomination fees considering the financial burden such humongous amount may impact on political party candidates.
“We restate the call for a level playing field for all political parties in the state.”
IPAC reinstated its willingness to cooperate with both the government and CROSIEC to ensure that elections are conducted peacefully with our any hitch.
