As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenge of strengthening its democratic institutions, one issue that persistently undermines inclusiveness in the political process is the high cost of nomination and expression of interest forms imposed by political parties.
While parties have the constitutional right to regulate their internal processes, the exorbitant fees attached to these forms have become a significant barrier, particularly for young Nigerians aspiring to participate actively in governance.
In recent electoral cycles, major political parties in Nigeria have fixed nomination fees running into millions of naira for aspirants seeking elective offices.
Individuals aspiring for legislative seats, governorships, or even local government positions are often required to purchase forms at costs far beyond the financial reach of the average citizen. This trend raises serious concerns about the genuine commitment of political parties to promoting an inclusive democracy.
The implications of such high fees are profound. First, they effectively exclude a large segment of the population especially young people from the political process. Although youths constitute a significant percentage of Nigeria’s population and are recognized as critical stakeholders in the nation’s future, these financial barriers discourage capable and visionary individuals from contesting.
Second, the practice creates a political environment that favors the wealthy elite, often referred to as money bags. When the cost of merely entering a race is excessively high, the field becomes skewed in favor of those with substantial financial resources or access to powerful political sponsors. In such a system, merit, competence, and a genuine commitment to public service risk being overshadowed by financial capacity.
Moreover, the dominance of money in politics often encourages unhealthy practices such as vote-buying, patronage, and corruption. Candidates who spend vast sums just to secure a nomination may feel compelled to recover their investments once in office, thereby undermining accountability. This cycle perpetuates a system where politics is viewed as a commercial venture rather than a platform for service.
The irony is that Nigeria has recently witnessed increasing calls for greater youth participation. Legislative milestones like the “Not Too Young to Run” movement were designed to lower structural barriers and create opportunities for younger generations. However, the persistence of high nomination fees contradicts the spirit of these reforms.
Political parties must recognize their responsibility as the gatekeepers of democracy. If democratic ideals are to thrive, the political space must be accessible to individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. A practical step would be for parties to significantly reduce the cost of nomination forms or create special concessions for young aspirants, women, and other underrepresented groups.
Additionally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations, and the general public should continue to advocate for reforms that promote transparency and fairness within party processes. Internal party democracy must extend beyond rhetoric to practical policies that encourage broad participation.
Nigeria’s democracy can only mature when leadership selection is based on competence, integrity, and the genuine will of the people not merely the ability to pay exorbitant entry fees. Lowering these costs is not just a financial adjustment; it is a democratic imperative. If the country truly desires a political system that reflects the aspirations of its youth, parties must dismantle the financial barriers keeping them out of the race. Otherwise, the political arena will remain the playground of the wealthy, to the detriment of national development.