By George Mgbeleke

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Lagos State Chapter, on Wednesday declared its decision to boycott the forthcoming Local Government Elections in Lagos State, citing fundamental irregularities, illegalities, and a clear disregard for the rule of law by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).

In a statement by its state Chairma, Ronnie Dikko-Kila (Mrs) said,”This decision has been communicated to and endorsed
by the National Leadership of the NNPP.”

Accordingt the Chairman, the party has highlighted several grave concerns that undermine the credibility and fairness of the electoral process, making participation untenable.

“We have observed with profound dismay the systematic undermining of democratic principles in the run-up to these local government elections,” stated the Lagos State Chairman.

“Our decision to boycott is
not taken lightly, but it is a necessary stand against an electoral system designed to disenfranchise, rather
than empower, the citizens of Lagos State.”

The statement further added,”NNPP’s reasons to boycott the election include:

1. Illegal Creation and Conduct of Elections in 57 Councils: LASIEC intends to conduct
elections across 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and an additional 37 Local Council
Development Areas (LCDAs).

“This is in direct contradiction to the Nigerian Supreme Court’s
pronouncements, which only recognize 20 constitutionally established Local Government Areas
in Lagos State.

ii)Conducting elections in the 37 LCDAs, which lack a legal framework for independent elections, constitutes a flagrant violation of the nation’s highest judicial authority and
the spirit of democratic governance.

iii)Imposition of Exorbitant and Illegal Nomination Fees: Political parties are mandated by
LASIEC to pay significant sums to obtain nomination forms for their candidates. ”

The statement noted that specifically,
candidates are required to pay ₦150,000 for Chairman, ₦75,000 for Vice Chairman, and
₦50,000 for Councillor nomination forms. While LASIEC’s guidelines indicate an exemption
for female candidates and persons with disabilities, the imposition of these administrative charges on all other candidates is arbitrary, unjustifiable, and creates an undue financial barrier to
participation, effectively stifling genuine grassroots democracy.

This practice it noted has been a point of contention and an ongoing tussle between LASIEC and the 19 Political Parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), with some parties threatening legal action.

It further observed that lack of Transparency and Certainty of a Free and Fair Process: For the past two months, IPAC has been in an ongoing dispute with LASIEC over the published guidelines and the
introduction of these payments.

The party added that the prevailing atmosphere of distrust and the clear signs of pre-
determined outcomes make participation a futile exercise.

The NNPP it noted has no confidence that the
elections will be free, fair, or credible, and we firmly believe the results are already predetermined
in favor of the ruling party.

“We refuse to lend legitimacy to a process that is fundamentally flawed and designed to produce a pre-
orchestrated outcome,” the Chairman asserted.

“Our primary objective as a political party is to serve the
people and uphold the tenets of democracy. Participating in a sham election would be a disservice to our
members and the good people of Lagos State.”

The NNPP it said ” believes that boycotting these elections, coupled with a robust public awareness campaign, will draw critical attention to the systemic irregularities plaguing local government elections in Lagos State.
“This strategic withdrawal aims to highlight the urgent need for electoral reforms that guarantee
transparency, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law.

“The New Nigeria Peoples Party remains committed to the democratic process and will continue to advocate for a truly representative and credible electoral system in Lagos State and across Nigeria.”

The party called on all well-meaning citizens, civil society organizations, and international observers to take note
of these grave concerns and join the in demanding electoral integrity.