Nomination Fee: Chidoka warns rising costs threaten Nigeria’s democracy despite APC denial

A fresh debate over the cost of political participation in Nigeria has emerged following widely circulated figures on nomination fees for the 2027 elections, even as the All Progressives Congress (APC) distanced itself from the claims.

Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on March 28, 2026, cautioned that the increasing cost of nomination forms across political parties poses a serious risk to democratic inclusion.

The controversy began after reports suggested that nomination forms could cost as much as ₦200 million for the presidency, ₦150 million for governorship, ₦100 million for the Senate, ₦70 million for the House of Representatives, and ₦20 million for State Houses of Assembly. However, the APC has since disowned the figures, clarifying that they were not official.

Reacting, Chidoka acknowledged the party’s clarification but stressed that the broader concern about rising nomination fees remains valid.

He argued that such costs, whether officially confirmed or not, reflect a pattern that has developed over time among major political parties, effectively limiting access to elective offices.

Citing economic realities, Chidoka noted that with Nigeria’s minimum wage at ₦70,000, an average worker would require decades to afford nomination forms, raising questions about inclusiveness in the political process. He also referenced data indicating that a large proportion of Nigerians have relatively low savings, making participation financially challenging.

According to him, the implication is that political contests risk becoming accessible mainly to a narrow segment of society, rather than a broad representation of citizens.

Chidoka further pointed out that nomination fees, if maintained at high levels, could generate substantial revenue for parties, rivaling allocations to key public sectors such as education, healthcare, and security. He described this trend as one that deserves careful reflection.

As an alternative, he suggested that political parties could adopt more sustainable funding models, including membership-based contributions, which would reduce reliance on nomination fees while encouraging wider participation.

The former minister also observed that Nigeria’s approach differs from practices in several other democracies, where candidates typically emerge through internal party processes with fewer financial barriers.

Providing historical context, Chidoka noted that in 2022, the APC charged ₦100 million for presidential nomination forms and ₦50 million for governorship, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fixed its fees at ₦40 million and ₦21 million respectively. Legislative positions also attracted significant fees across both parties.

He explained that when adjusted for current exchange rates, more recent figures under discussion suggest increases in real terms for several offices, particularly legislative seats.

“The issue is not limited to one party,” Chidoka said, adding that the trend reflects a broader system in which access to political office is increasingly influenced by financial capacity.

He warned that if left unchecked, the practice could discourage broader participation and weaken the representative nature of Nigeria’s democracy.

Chidoka called on political parties to review their nomination processes and ensure that the path to leadership remains open, competitive, and fair.

He concluded that the debate goes beyond partisan lines, describing it as a critical moment for Nigeria to reflect on whether its democratic system remains accessible in practice as well as in principle.

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