By Rev. Fr. Maurice Kwairanga
Abstract
The escalating cost of political party nomination forms in Nigeria—exemplified by the All Progressives Congress (APC) setting its 2027 presidential forms at ₦100 million—has intensified concerns about the emergence of a plutocratic political order. This paper examines the practice through the ethical lens of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), focusing on principles of human dignity, the common good, subsidiarity, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor. Drawing on contemporary political analyses and governance literature, the study argues that exorbitant nomination fees undermine democratic inclusion, distort political competition, and pose significant risks to Nigeria’s democratic trajectory ahead of the 2027 general elections. Recommendations are offered for aligning political party practices with CST principles and strengthening democratic integrity.
1. Introduction
The monetization of political participation has become a defining feature of Nigeria’s electoral landscape. Political parties increasingly impose high financial barriers on aspirants, with the APC’s presidential nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2027 elections priced at ₦100 million. Other parties, including smaller opposition platforms, have similarly adopted steep fees, such as the Accord Party’s ₦15 million governorship forms. Scholars and civil society organizations argue that these practices restrict political participation to affluent elites, thereby undermining democratic norms (Adeniyi, 2022; Centre for Democracy and Development [CDD], 2022).
Catholic Social Teaching offers a moral and philosophical framework for evaluating governance practices. Rooted in papal encyclicals such as Rerum Novarum (1891), Pacem in Terris (1963), and Caritas in Veritate (2009), CST emphasizes human dignity, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, and a preferential option for the poor (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, 2004). Applying these principles to Nigeria’s political context reveals significant ethical tensions between CST’s vision of just governance and the exclusionary effects of monetized political participation.
2. Catholic Social Teaching and the High Cost of Nomination Forms
2.1 Human Dignity and Political Participation
CST affirms that every human person possesses inherent dignity and the right to participate in public life (John Paul II, 1991). Excessive nomination fees effectively disenfranchise youth, women, and qualified aspirants lacking substantial financial resources. Studies show that financial barriers disproportionately affect marginalized groups, reinforcing structural inequalities (Agbaje & Adejumobi, 2006). Analysts argue that such practices weaken internal party democracy and restrict political competition to wealthy elites (CDD, 2022).
2.2 The Common Good
The common good, a central CST principle, requires that political institutions serve the welfare of all citizens rather than privileged interests (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, 2004). When nomination forms are priced at levels accessible only to affluent individuals, political office risks becoming a commodity. Scholars warn that aspirants who incur high financial costs may prioritize personal or patronage-based returns over public service (Ibrahim & Egwu, 2020). This dynamic undermines governance quality and public trust.
2.3 Preferential Option for the Poor
CST calls for social structures that uplift the poor and marginalized. High nomination fees invert this principle by privileging wealth over competence and excluding groups historically underrepresented in Nigerian politics. Civil society organizations note that these fees undermine reforms such as the Not Too Young to Run Act, which sought to expand youth participation (CDD, 2022; YIAGA Africa, 2019).
2.4 Solidarity and Subsidiarity
Solidarity emphasizes mutual responsibility and social cohesion, while subsidiarity advocates for empowering local actors and preventing the concentration of power (Benedict XVI, 2009). Monetized politics erodes solidarity by deepening socio-economic divides and fostering alienation among citizens. Subsidiarity is weakened when only affluent individuals can access leadership positions, centralizing political power within a narrow socio-economic class.
3. Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy Ahead of 2027
3.1 Consolidation of Plutocracy
The pricing of nomination forms at levels unattainable for most Nigerians risks entrenching a political system dominated by wealthy elites. Scholars describe this trend as a drift toward plutocracy, where economic power translates directly into political influence (Ake, 1996). Such a system threatens democratic legitimacy and weakens citizens’ confidence in electoral processes.
3.2 Heightened Corruption Risks
High financial entry barriers incentivize aspirants to view political office as an investment requiring recovery. Research indicates that this dynamic contributes to corruption, rent-seeking, and diversion of public resources (Ibrahim & Egwu, 2020). The CDD (2022) warns that monetized primaries can produce leaders more accountable to financiers than to citizens.
3.3 Voter Inducement and Transactional Politics
The increasing trend of financial inducements demanded by segments of the electorate further entrenches transactional politics. This creates a cycle in which wealthy aspirants purchase nominations, engage in vote-buying, and subsequently seek to recoup expenditures through corrupt practices (Omotola, 2010). Such dynamics undermine electoral integrity and weaken democratic norms.
3.4 Decline of Meritocracy
When wealth becomes the primary determinant of political viability, merit, competence, and ethical leadership are sidelined. This undermines governance quality and discourages capable individuals from pursuing public office (Adeniyi, 2022).
3.5 Potential Democratic Backlash in 2027
If current trends persist, Nigeria may face:
– declining voter turnout due to disillusionment,
– increased political apathy among youth,
– heightened socio-political tensions, and
– reduced legitimacy of electoral outcomes.
These risks align with broader concerns about democratic backsliding in emerging democracies (Diamond, 2019).
4. Recommendations Consistent with CST Principles
1. Legislative caps on nomination fees to promote inclusivity and fairness.
2. Public funding or subsidization of internal party primaries to reduce monetization.
3. Enhanced oversight by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding party financial practices.
4. Civic education initiatives promoting ethical political participation and discouraging vote-selling.
5. Faith-based and civil society advocacy to promote moral governance aligned with CST principles.
5. Conclusion
The escalating cost of political party nomination forms in Nigeria contradicts the ethical foundations of Catholic Social Teaching and poses significant risks to democratic governance. By restricting political participation to wealthy elites, these practices undermine human dignity, the common good, and social inclusion. Without meaningful reforms, the 2027 general elections may deepen plutocratic tendencies and erode public trust. Aligning political processes with CST principles offers a pathway toward a more just, inclusive, and morally grounded democratic order.
References (APA Style)
Adeniyi, M. (2022). Money and politics in Nigeria: Implications for democratic governance. Journal of African Political Economy, 14(2), 45–62.
Agbaje, A., & Adejumobi, S. (2006). Do votes count? The travails of electoral politics in Nigeria. Africa Development, 31(3), 25–44.
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Diamond, L. (2019). Ill winds: Saving democracy from Russian rage, Chinese ambition, and American complacency. Penguin Press.
Ibrahim, J., & Egwu, S. (2020). The cost of politics in Nigeria. Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
John Paul II. (1991). Centesimus Annus. Vatican Press.
Omotola, J. S. (2010). Money, politics and democracy in Nigeria. Journal of African Elections, 9(2), 74–97.
Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. (2004). Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. Vatican Press.
YIAGA Africa. (2019). Not Too Young to Run: Impact assessment report. YIAGA Publications.