By Uche Chukwu, Onitsha
A Labour Party (LP) senatorial aspirant for Anambra Central, Venerable Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue, has criticized the high cost of nomination forms imposed by major political parties, describing the fees as a threat to democratic participation.
Ikezue, who recently resigned from the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Gwagwalada, Abuja, to pursue what he called a “rescue mission,” said the rising fees have turned Nigeria’s electoral process into a system that favors only the wealthy.
He particularly faulted the All Progressives Congress (APC) for pegging its presidential nomination form at ₦200 million, calling it “prohibitive and unjustifiable.”
He also cited fees of about ₦150 million for governorship forms, ₦100 million for senatorial tickets, and ₦70 million for House of Representatives positions.
“These figures amount to the commercialization of public office and exclusion of capable Nigerians who lack vast financial resources,” he said.
According to him, the trend promotes money politics, entrenches godfatherism, and limits leadership opportunities to a privileged few, ultimately weakening governance and accountability.
Ikezue urged political parties to drastically reduce nomination fees to more inclusive levels. He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies to intervene and curb what he described as an anti-democratic practice.
He further appealed to Nigerians, civil society groups, and youth organizations to reject parties that impose excessive financial barriers on aspirants.
“Leadership is not for sale. Democracy must serve the people, not the highest bidders,” he added.
Tags:
Anambra politics, Labour Party, Tochukwu Ikezue, APC nomination fees, Nigeria elections, INEC, political parties Nigeria, democracy in Nigeria, election reforms, money politics
