End Paywall on Leadership, ADC Reo Aspirant Slams Costly Nomination Forms
By Samuel Itsado
House of Representatives aspirant for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu (Ugonecheora), has asked political parties to scrap or drastically cut the cost of nomination forms, warning that exorbitant fees are locking women and people with disabilities out of politics.
Running on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Ikokwu said the “paywall on leadership” has reduced political participation to “an exclusive club for the wealthy.”
“Nigeria’s political system cannot thrive behind a price tag,” she said in a statement on Wednesday titled End the Paywall on Leadership: Let Competence, Not Cash, Decide Our Candidates.
“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.”
Dr. Ikokwu urged the ADC and other parties to take “deliberate steps” to eliminate or slash nomination fees. Where payment is unavoidable, she said, women and PWDs should be granted discounted rates.
“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 stated.
She argued that money politics has damaged representation by sidelining “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.”
‘Fees are not a measure of competence’
The journalist-turned-politician said her experience in the media showed how costly forms discourage women and young people from running.
“These fees are not a measure of competence or commitment,” Dr. Ikokwu declared. “They are simply a financial gatekeeping tool that narrows our democratic space.”
She added: “Nigeria cannot keep saying it wants inclusive leadership while maintaining barriers that shut out capable citizens.”
The ADC aspirant maintained that reducing costs would widen the pool of candidates and improve governance outcomes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
