By Adamu IMAM Bauchi
Four days to the local government elections in Bauchi state, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) threatened legal action against Bauchi state independent electoral commission BASIEC over lack of electoral guidelines preparatory to the conduct of the elections
Chiarman of the party in the state Ambassador Khalid Arewa, made the discloser in a press release made available to journalists on Tuesday in Bauchi
The statement also alleged that the high cost of nomination forms put by the electoral body is systematic planned to disenfranchise the opposition parties especially the smaller ones
Khalid Arewa said the party was compelled vehemently to express dissatisfaction and reservations regarding the sudden premature announcement of the Local Government elections slated on the 17th of August 2024 throughout the state.
He decried that BASIEC fixed the date for the LG elections without adequate consultation, notification, or regard for the constitutional guidelines that govern electoral processes in Bauchi state.
Amb. Arewa noted that the action of the electoral denied political parties and stakeholders sufficient time to prepare and participate in the electoral process.
He further said that the ZLP, as a major political party in Bauchi State, was not consulted or informed us about the arrangements and timelines for the elections, contrary to established protocols and guidelines.
"The cost of nomination forms for the Local Government elections is excessive and burdensome, with prices ranging from N120,000 to N250,000 per form", he said.
Amb. Arewa added: "This is a clear attempt to disenfranchise smaller political parties and independent candidates".
The ZLP also accused the BASIEC of disregarding due process, an action it described as a demonstration of a blatant disregard for the constitutional requirements and guidelines that govern electoral processes in the state.
The ZLP issued Bauchi state government and the BASIEC 48-hour ultimatum to immediately reverse the decision to hold the Local Government elections on 17th August 2024 and provide the requisite 60-day notification period, as stipulated in the constitution.
The party also urged the state government and BASIEC to engage in meaningful consultation with political parties and stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process, review and reduce the cost of nomination forms to a reasonable and affordable level.
Amb. Arewa said failure by the Bauchi state government and the BASIEC to comply with the ultimatum will leave ZLP with no choice but to seek legal redress and explore all available avenues to protect the rights and interests of our party and the general people of the state
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