Nomination Forms: Political Parties Should Be Fair to Women, PWDs in 2027, Says Ikokwu
Political parties urged to reduce nomination form costs to boost inclusion of women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
Political parties urged to reduce nomination form costs to boost inclusion of women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Constance Chiogo Ikokwu, has called on political parties in Nigeria to either scrap or reduce the high cost of nomination forms for aspirants in the 2027 elections, advising that it would open the door to real leadership and help expand access for women and People With Disabilities (PWDs).
According to her, Nigeria’s political system cannot thrive behind a price tag, arguing that the high cost of party nomination forms has turned political participation into an exclusive club for the wealthy, shutting out capable women, young people, and PWDs.
Ikokwu, an aspirant seeking election to represent Idemili Federal Constituency in Anambra State for the House of Representatives on the platform of the ADC, made the recommendation in a statement titled, “End the Paywall on Leadership: Let Competence, Not Cash, Decide Our Candidates,” obtained by Arise News in Abuja.
She said, “If leadership is truly about service, then access to contest must not be determined by bank balance, but by vision, integrity, and the courage to lead.
“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.”
Ikokwu argued that Nigeria cannot keep saying it wants inclusive leadership while maintaining barriers that shut out capable citizens.
As a journalist-turned politician, she said she has seen firsthand how the exorbitant cost of party nomination forms discourages not just women, but also young people from even stepping forward.
“These fees are not a measure of competence or commitment; they are simply a financial gatekeeping tool that narrows our democratic space,” she declared.
