High cost of nomination form, hindrance to youths, PWDs, women’s participation — CSOs

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, said high cost of nomination form by major political parties has put groups like youths, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and women at great disadvantage.

Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Ene Obi said this at a news conference on the state of the nation and election outlook ahead of the 2023 General Elections in Abuja on Thursday.

“The high cost of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially for Presidential and Governorship seats have been a subject of controversy that have stirred public outcry.

“It is on record that the APC Presidential forms cost N100 million, and the Governorship forms cost N50 million, while the PDP Presidential forms cost N40 million and the Governorship forms cost N21 million respectively.

“Although, both parties have given some form of waivers to women, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Youth, Situation Room notes that the cost of these forms are still exorbitant considering the economic realities in Nigeria and the financial state of most Nigerians,’’ Obi said.

She said that a comparison of the difference in prices between the 2015 and 2023 election cycle showed about 81 per cent increase in the price of these forms.

“Situation Room recalls the concerns President Muhammadu Buhari expressed in 2015 when APC’s Nomination Form was pegged at N27 million.

“Situation Room further notes that these high costs will ironically affirm the exclusion of women, PWDs and youth who are already marginalised in the country’s electoral clime.

“This is because they may not have the financial capacity to contest for an elective position.

“Indeed, this further widens the inequality gap which is quite discriminatory as we have seen people from humble backgrounds attain leadership positions in Nigeria.’’

Obi said that this puts the marginalised groups at a great disadvantage and does not open up the space for new players as necessary in a democracy.

She urged Nigerians not to be weary as they perform their civic duty to vote, while urging them to register and obtain a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC).