As the clock ticks down to 2024, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has ignited the political arena with the release of its timetable for February 3rd by-elections. This announcement, signed by party stalwart Sulaiman Argungu, has sparked a flurry of activity and raised eyebrows across the nation.
The timeline, tight and meticulous, leaves little room for error. Nominations and expressions of interest for Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly seats open on December 27th, 2023, and close just six days later on January 2nd. The party’s internal primary elections are set for a swift January 6th, leaving aspirants with a mere fortnight to woo delegates and secure their place on the ballot.
However, the most controversial aspect of this timetable undoubtedly lies in the cost of participation. Aspiring senators must fork over a staggering N20 million for the privilege, while House of Representatives hopefuls face a N10 million price tag. State Assembly seats come at a relative bargain of N2 million. These hefty fees have drawn immediate criticism, with accusations of APC prioritizing wealth over merit already swirling in the air.
Yet, the party offers a glimmer of hope for two marginalized groups. Female aspirants and individuals living with disabilities will only need to pay for the Expression of Interest form, with the Nomination Form graciously provided free of charge. Similarly, young candidates aged 25 to 40 will receive a 50% discount on their Nomination Forms, a gesture that, while welcome, remains to be seen as genuine or simply a tokenistic nod to inclusivity.
But amidst the controversy and cost concerns, one critical point remains: the by-elections themselves. These vacancies, arising from resignations or deaths in the National and State Houses of Assembly, span two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies across nine states. This diverse landscape presents an opportunity for the APC to solidify its grip on power or for the opposition to make strategic inroads.
The stage is set, the actors are primed, and the price of entry is high. As the new year approaches, the APC’s by-election timetable promises a political spectacle filled with ambition, competition, and, of course, a healthy dose of controversy. Whether this intricate dance of nominations, primaries, and campaigns will ultimately lead to a fair and representative outcome remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the eyes of Nigeria will be watching, waiting to see who emerges victorious in this high-stakes political game.
