The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the apex sociocultural youth organization of Igbo youths worldwide, has described the 30 million naira nomination form for Local Government Chairmanship election in Ebonyi State as an orchestrated means of recruiting mediocre individuals into the Chairman position, thereby derailing and undermining the political and economic development of Ebonyi State.

Reacting to the report on Tuesday 20th January 2026, National President General Ohanaeze Youth Council(OYC) Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka stated that if Gov Francis Nwifuru maintains the 30 million naira nominations, it is a well-calculated conspiracy to deter credible aspirants from purchasing the APC chairman nomination form.

Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka expressed disapproval that Gov Francis Nwifuru’s advisers are providing misguided counsel, prompting the governor to exhibit disdain towards Ebonyi youth participating in active politics and good governance.

Historical records show that between 2007 and 2011, former Governor David Umahi helped Gov Francis Nwifuru, who is from Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi local government area of Ebonyi, to contest for the State House of Assembly for Izzi West State constituency, but at the time, Gov Francis Nwifuru could not afford the 30 million naira nomination form. In 2011 if the nomination form was sold at 30m, Gov Nwifuru personally couldn’t have afford such an outrageous amount. This is a stark example of an anti-youth policy and a direct dismissal of youths’ participation in Ebonyi politics and governance. Comrade Igboayaka pointed out that those who advised the Governor to set and allow this outrageous amount seek to create a divide between the Governor and Ebonyi youths.

In the spirit of promoting youthful political engagement, Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka calls upon Gov Francis Nwifuru to implement an open-door policy, enabling Ebonyi youths to participate actively in the upcoming Chairmanship, Counsellors election, and all aspects of politics by reducing the APC chairman nomination fee to 150,000 while Counsellors pay 50,000.

“Reducing the Chairmanship and Counsellors nomination fee to make it accessible to Ebonyi youths will foster healthy competition, which enhances credibility and competence” Comrade Igboayaka urged Gov. Nwifuru.

“Paying such an exorbitant amount to secure a Local Government Chairmanship position clearly indicates that young individuals who desire to serve as Local Government Executive Chairmen may be inclined to embezzle LGA funds if they are elected” Comrade Igboayaka O revealed.

Comrade Igboayaka queried, “What is the salary of a local government chairman? What is the amount of his allowance? Given the substantial cost of 30 million naira to purchase forms, plus campaign expenses that will run into millions. Hence, the use of 30 million naira to purchase nomination forms is a way of creating an environment that breeds political criminals who will ultimately undermine the development of Ebonyi State. With a nomination fee of 30 million naira, Gov Francis Nwifuru is unintentionally creating an atmosphere that fosters political beasts and monsters that will drain the resources of Ebonyians in the 13 Local Government Council of the State.