2019: UPP waives nomination fees for youth, women, physically-challenged

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the United Progressive Party (UPP) has approved the exemption of payment of nomination fees by Nigerian youth from the age of 30 downwards and the physically challenged, for all elective offices.

The party also said female aspirants are exempted from paying such fees.

It also resolved it will not sponsor a presidential candidate for 2019 general elections.

These resolutions according to a communique signed by Chekwas Okorie and Sadeeq Msall, the National chairman and National Secretary of the party, were made at the Party’s NEC meeting on Friday.

The party said rather than pushing for presidential election in 2019 which is a few months away, it will channel its resources to participating in other levels of election while building political structures to do so in 2023.

“UPP shall not sponsor a presidential candidate for the 2019 Presidential Election. The Party shall use the period between now and 2023 general election to consolidate its nationwide political structures and concentrate energy and resources in active participation in other elective contests namely, Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Assembly elections in
Nigeria.”

The party also revealed it is considering alliance with other parties, among other options.

To this effect the NEC of the party mandated the National Working Committee (NWC) to review reports of the various committees which attended meetings on alliance/coalition with other political parties and take appropriate decisions “in the best interest of the Party”.

“UPP shall continue to explore the possibility of a constructive engagement with a Political Party or Parties through alliance for electoral leverage and enhanced advantage in the democratic contests.”

The NEC also reviewed downwards, the nomination fees for other aspirants on the platform of the party in order to increase participation in the elections by eligible Nigerians. It said it will be removing the fees for Expression of Interest.

The NEC also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for “listening to the voice of reason” by assuring Nigerians of taking firm administrative steps to restore the sanctity of the secret ballot system as clearly provided in the Electoral Act.