In preparation for the upcoming February 3, 2024 by-elections, both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have released their respective timetables and schedules of activities for contestants vying for Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Assemblies seats.
The APC, in its timetable released on Monday, signed by the National Organising Secretary Sulaimon Argungu, outlined that the sale of nominations, expression of interest, and delegates forms will commence on December 27, 2023, and conclude on January 2, 2024. The primary elections are slated for January 6, 2024. The APC has set the price for the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at N20m, N10m, and N2m for the Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly, respectively.
Interestingly, the APC has introduced a tiered pricing system, with female aspirants and persons living with disabilities required to pay for Expression of Interest only, while the Nomination Form is provided free of charge. Additionally, youths between 25 and 40 years old are eligible for a 50% discount on Nomination Forms.
Similarly, the PDP, in its timetable released on Tuesday and signed by the National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, has scheduled the sale of nominations, expression of interest, and delegates forms to run from December 28, 2023, to January 3, 2024, with primary elections to be held on January 9, 2024. The PDP has set the price for the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at N3.5m, N2.5m, and N600,000 for the Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly, respectively.
In alignment with the APC, the PDP has adopted a differentiated payment structure. Female aspirants and persons with disabilities are only required to pay for nomination forms, while youths under 40 years old can benefit from a 50% discount on Nomination Forms.
Both parties’ schedules align with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) fixed date of February 3, 2024, for the conduct of by-elections, which are necessitated by the resignation or demise of members of the National and State Houses of Assembly. The vacancies span two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies across nine States of the Federation.