An aspirant for the House of Representatives under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu (popularly known as Ugonecheora), has called on political parties in Nigeria to either scrap or significantly reduce the high cost of nomination forms, warning that current practices are undermining democratic participation.
Dr. Ikokwu, who is contesting to represent Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, made the call in a statement titled “End the Paywall on Leadership: Let Competence, Not Cash, Decide Our Candidates.” In the statement, she argued that the country’s political system cannot thrive when access to leadership is effectively restricted by financial barriers.
According to her, the rising cost of nomination forms has turned political participation into what she described as “an exclusive club for the wealthy,” thereby shutting out competent individuals, particularly women, young people, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), before they even have a chance to contest.
“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,” she stated.
The aspirant urged political parties, including the ADC on whose platform she is running, to take deliberate steps toward eliminating or drastically reducing nomination fees. She also advocated discounted fees for women and PWDs where total removal may not be immediately feasible.
“I 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,” she added.
Dr. Ikokwu further blamed “money politics” for what she described as a decline in the quality of political representation in the country. She noted that the system sidelines visionary candidates who possess ideas, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve but lack the financial resources 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,” she said.
Highlighting her background as a journalist turned politician, Ikokwu said she has witnessed firsthand how exorbitant nomination costs discourage many aspiring leaders from 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.
She concluded by stressing that Nigeria cannot claim to pursue inclusive leadership while maintaining systemic barriers that exclude capable citizens from the political process.
