Manny Ita –
Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is facing mounting criticism following reports that it is considering pegging its 2027 presidential nomination form at ₦100 million and governorship forms at ₦50 million.
The proposed fees—if approved—would represent one of the highest nomination costs in Nigeria’s political history, immediately igniting debate across political and civil society circles. Critics argue that such figures could further entrench the “monetization of democracy,” where political participation becomes increasingly restricted to the wealthy elite.
Political analysts warn that exorbitant nomination fees risk excluding competent but less financially endowed aspirants, thereby narrowing the democratic space and limiting the diversity of candidates. They also caution that high entry costs may incentivize corruption, as candidates who invest heavily in securing party tickets may seek to recover costs if elected.
Supporters within the party, however, argue that the fees serve as a filter to ensure only serious contenders enter the race, while also helping the party raise funds for its operations and campaign logistics ahead of the general elections.
Civil society groups have called for greater internal party democracy and affordability, urging political parties across the board to adopt more inclusive pricing structures. Some have also advocated for regulatory intervention by electoral authorities to prevent excessive commercialization of the political process.
As the 2027 election cycle gradually comes into focus, the controversy underscores a broader national conversation about access, equity, and the true cost of political participation in Nigeria.
