“Reduce High Cost Of Party Nomination Forms” – Chiogo Ikokwu Urges ADC

ADC

Aspirant for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency for House of Representatives on African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, has urged political parties across Nigeria to either scrap or decrease the high cost of nomination forms. She recently had her say via a press statement titled “End the Paywall on Leadership: Let Competence, Not Cash, Decide our Candidates,” and Nigerians have been reacting.

Arguing that Nigeria’s political system cannot thrive behind a price tag, she noted that reducing the cost of nomination forms will help open the door to real leadership.

She added that the high cost of party forms has turned political participation into an exclusive club for the wealthy, shutting out capable women, young people and PWDs.

Her words, “Political parties, especially the African Democratic Congress (ADC), on whose platform I’m running, must take deliberate steps to eliminate or drastically reduce the cost of nomination forms.

I also expect that women and PWDs are allowed to pay discounted fees, if indeed they must pay. If we are serious about deepening democracy, then access to contest should not be reserved for the wealthy or those backed by powerful financiers.

Money politics has done deep damage to the quality of our representation, and the reasons are clear.

It sidelines visionary candidates who have ideas, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve, but lack the financial muscle to compete.

By removing these financial and other barriers, parties will not only expand participation but also elevate the standard of leadership.

Nigeria deserves leaders chosen for their competence and character, not the size of their wallets.

Money politics has done deep damage to the quality of our representation, and the reasons are clear.

It sidelines visionary candidates who have ideas, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve, but lack the financial muscle to compete.

By removing these financial and other barriers, parties will not only expand participation but also elevate the standard of leadership.

Nigeria deserves leaders chosen for their competence and character, not the size of their wallets.”

WOW.