The Citizens Platform for Political Inclusion (CPPI) has commenced legal and legislative action against what it described as exorbitant expression of interest and nomination fees charged by political parties.
The group warned that the practice threatens Nigeria’s constitutional democracy by shutting out ordinary citizens from contesting elective offices.
CPPI disclosed that it had issued separate pre-action notices to the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while also petitioning the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to regulate nomination fees.
The platform, in collaboration with the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership and the Embassara Foundation, said the current nomination fee regime had become a major barrier to inclusive political participation, particularly for women, youths and persons with disabilities.
In a statement jointly signed by Rt. Hon. Osita Chidoka, High Chief Amagbe Kentebe, Mr. Iniruo Wills, Mr. Ken Lewis-Allagoa, Mr. Famous Obebi and Adebiyi Ajayi, the group said the rising cost of nomination forms had entrenched the monetisation of Nigeria’s political process.
“The inevitable consequence is the systemic monetisation of political participation across the Nigerian political landscape, whereby access to elective office is increasingly determined by wealth rather than merit, competence or public service,” the statement read.
The coalition argued that the practice violates several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including Sections 40 and 42 on freedom of association and equality before the law, as well as Section 14(2)(c), which guarantees participation by the people in government.
It also cited Sections 17(2)(a) and 15(5) of the Constitution, saying the current fee structure undermines the principles of equality, justice and the fight against corruption.
CPPI further argued that the practice contravenes Articles 2, 3 and 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee equality, equal protection under the law and the right of citizens to participate in governance.
The group noted that while Nigeria’s national minimum wage is ₦70,000 monthly or ₦840,000 annually, nomination forms for some elective offices now cost tens or hundreds of millions of naira.
“A Nigerian worker earning the national minimum wage would require well over one hundred years of income to afford certain presidential nomination forms,” it stated.
According to the coalition, the high fees encourage political sponsorship, strengthen godfatherism, promote undue financial influence and create incentives for elected officials to recover campaign expenses after elections.
In its pre-action notices, CPPI demanded an immediate review and substantial reduction of nomination fees, a transparent and non-discriminatory fee structure, publication of the criteria used in determining the fees and a compensation or refund mechanism for aspirants affected by the charges.
The coalition warned that it would institute legal proceedings if the political parties failed to respond satisfactorily within the stipulated period.
It also urged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act by prescribing a statutory ceiling for nomination fees, empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to regulate such charges, and providing concessions for women, youths and persons with disabilities.
Blessing Ibunge
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