In a demonstration of unified dissent, several APC support groups on Friday 24th Nov. 2023, organized and staged a peaceful rally in the heart of the nation to voice their objection to the imposition of nomination form fees for upcoming elections. The rally aimed to highlight the concerns of leadership of the support groups who believe that such fees may hinder the inclusivity of the political process.
The news of the decision by the APC party leadership to introduce nomination form fees had sparked discontent among various party support groups over the week. Many members argued that such outrageous fees could discourage aspiring candidates, particularly those with limited financial means, from participating in the electoral process. The rally sought to bring attention to these concerns and encourage a reconsideration of the party’s stance.
The rally, which took place at the Unity Fountain, saw a diverse group of APC supporters, ranging from grassroots activists to local party officials. Participants carried placards with slogans expressing their discontent with the nomination form fees and chanted slogans advocating for a more inclusive democratic process.
Several prominent figures within the APC support groups addressed the gathered crowd, articulating their concerns and presenting arguments against the imposition of nomination form fees. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that the political landscape remains open to support group members. To some, the purported dissolution of the executive arm of the incumbent leadership ably led by Dr Nasir Ladan remains worrisome.
Rally participants stressed the need for the APC to maintain an inclusive political environment that welcomes candidates regardless of their financial status.
The rally emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values within the party and ensuring that internal processes do not inadvertently exclude members who actually worked during the last elections.
While expressing their dissatisfaction, the participants also urged the party leadership to engage in a dialogue with its members to address the concerns raised.
In their dire needs, participants call on president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a matter of necessity, to through his weight on the party’s decision, where all of them believe it is a clear indication that monkeys work for the baboons to eat.
Participants at the rally also used the opportunity to plead with the president for a good reward system, which he is known for, to play out for members who sacrificed and worked for the success of the 2023 general elections that saw his emergence as the President.
The peaceful rally organized by APC support groups in the heart of the nation served as a visible expression of discontent regarding the nomination form fees. The event aimed to convey a strong message to the party leadership about the importance of fostering an inclusive and democratic political culture within the APC. As the political landscape evolves, the response of the party leadership to such expressions of dissent will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future dynamics of the party.
