Prominent Nigerian analyst and human rights lawyer, Barrister Audu Bulama Bukarti, has raised concerns over the recent decision by the Jigawa State Electoral Commission regarding the fees for the upcoming local government elections.
According to Bukarti on his X page, on Wednesday, the Commission has set the form fee for each chairmanship candidate at an astonishing Five Million Naira (N5m).
Meanwhile, those aspiring to run for councillorship positions are required to pay Two Million Naira (N2m) each.
Bukarti highlighted that for any political party intending to field candidates across the entire state, the total cost would exceed Seven Hundred Million Naira (N700m) in form fees alone.
He argued that this policy seems to be a calculated move to prevent opposition parties from participating in the elections, which are scheduled for October this year.
He emphasized that such exorbitant fees will effectively bar many capable individuals from running for office simply because they cannot afford the cost of the forms. “If someone is forced to spend such a large sum just to purchase a form, how can they effectively serve the public if they win?” Bukarti questioned.
He warned that candidates might resort to corrupt practices to recover their expenses, which would undermine the integrity of the electoral process and governance in the state.
Bukarti further asserted that running for office is a fundamental right of every Nigerian citizen, and that all political parties should be given a fair opportunity to field candidates.
By imposing such high fees, the Commission is essentially preventing smaller parties from participating in the electoral process.
He warned that if this practice is allowed to continue in Jigawa State, other states might adopt similar measures, especially now that governors are being compelled to hold elections.
In his appeal to the Jigawa State Electoral Commission, Bukarti urged them to reconsider the fees.
He called on the Commission to either distribute the forms free of charge or to set a fee that is affordable for all political parties, including the opposition.
He stressed that doing so would ensure a fair and inclusive electoral process, which is essential for the health of Nigeria’s democracy.
