Why Pricing Out Ordinary Citizens Threatens Democracy—and Why Everyone Should Care
Nigeria’s democracy is increasingly being shaped by wealth rather than ideas. The rising cost of nomination and expression‑of‑interest forms—especially within major political parties—has created a political environment where only the affluent or those backed by powerful sponsors can realistically contest for office. This trend raises urgent questions about who democracy truly serves and whether ordinary citizens still have a meaningful place in the political process.
Recent analyses show that nomination fees in some states have reached levels far beyond the earnings of an average citizen. This pricing structure has been widely criticized as a deliberate exclusion of young people and grassroots politicians.
1. How High Nomination Costs Undermine Quality Representation
A. Exclusion of Ordinary Citizens
Studies show that the high cost of nomination forms in some of the political parties have grown “outrageously” across election cycles, effectively excluding low‑income party members and ordinary citizens from contesting.
This exclusion means:
– Teachers, civil servants, small business owners, and community leaders cannot participate.
– Only wealthy individuals or those backed by political godfathers can run.
– Grassroots issues become secondary to elite interests.
B. Politics Becomes a Transaction
When candidates spend tens of millions just to secure a party ticket, public office becomes an investment to be recouped. Research links this to:
– Increased corruption
– Patronage politics
– Reduced focus on governance
– Higher likelihood of electoral violence and litigation
C. Weakening of Internal Party Democracy
Party primaries show deliberate increases in nomination costs to marginalize less affluent aspirants, turning primaries into a “marketplace” where the highest bidder prevails.
This undermines:
– Competition
– Transparency
– Merit-based leadership selection
2. Why Ordinary Citizens Should Care
A. Leadership Shapes Daily Life
Policies on security, education, healthcare, and jobs are made by those in office. If only the wealthy can contest, governance naturally tilts toward protecting elite interests.
B. Democracy Loses Its Meaning
When financial barriers exclude the majority, democracy becomes democratic in form but oligarchic in practice.
C. Reduced Accountability
Candidates who rely on wealthy sponsors—not citizens—are less accountable to the public.
D. Youth and Women Are Shut Out
Despite the Not‑Too‑Young‑To‑Run Act, exorbitant nomination fees continue to block youth participation.
3. Lessons From History: When Exclusion of the Poor Led to Conflict
Nigeria is not alone. Around the world, democracies have faltered when political participation became restricted to elites.
A. Nigeria’s Own History: The Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) was rooted partly in political marginalization and economic disparities, where certain regions felt excluded from power and resources. These grievances escalated into one of the deadliest conflicts in Africa’s history.
Political exclusion—whether economic or ethnic—has repeatedly proven dangerous.
B. Colonial Africa and Post‑Independence Conflicts
Across Africa, exclusionary political systems imposed during colonialism created weak institutions and marginalized groups. These structural inequalities contributed to:
– Military coups
– Civil wars
– Ethnic conflicts
C. Rwanda: A Tragic Example of Exclusion
The Rwandan Genocide was fueled by decades of political and economic exclusion, where colonial and post‑colonial systems favored one group over another. This imbalance eventually exploded into mass violence.
D. Global Examples:
– Pre‑revolution France: Political exclusion of the poor contributed to the French Revolution.
– Latin America: Oligarchic democracies repeatedly collapsed into conflict when the poor were denied political voice.
These examples show a consistent pattern: when political systems exclude the majority, instability follows.
4. Implications for Nigeria’s Future
A. Entrenchment of Money Politics
If nomination forms continue to rise, politics will remain a playground for the wealthy, undermining merit and competence.
B. Growing Public Distrust
When citizens feel locked out, voter apathy increases, weakening democratic legitimacy.
C. Risk of Social Tension
Nigeria’s history shows that political exclusion—whether economic or ethnic—can fuel resentment and conflict. The current trend risks deepening these divides.
5. What Can Be Done?
Experts and civil society groups recommend:
– Capping nomination fees through amendments to the Electoral Act.
– Empowering INEC to regulate party fees.
– Introducing independent candidacy to reduce party gatekeeping.
– Strengthening internal party democracy to ensure fair competition.
– Increasing transparency in party financing to curb monetization of politics.
Conclusion: Democracy Must Not Become a Luxury
Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive if it becomes a system where only the wealthy can participate. The outrageous cost of nomination forms is not just a political issue—it is a threat to national stability, accountability, and inclusive governance.
Ordinary citizens should care because:
– Their voices are being priced out.
– Their interests are being sidelined.
– Their future is being shaped by a political class that does not reflect their realities.
A democracy that excludes the majority is a democracy at risk. Ensuring affordable political participation is essential for peace, progress, and genuine representation.