CPPI Challenges High Political Nomination Fees in Nigeria

The Citizens' Political Participation Initiative (CPPI) has commenced legal action against what it describes as exorbitant nomination fees charged by political parties in Nigeria. The coalition warns that these fees threaten the constitutional democracy of Nigeria by making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities, to contest for political office.

The CPPI issued a pre-action notice to several political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), calling for an amendment to the Electoral Act to regulate nomination fees. The current fee regime is seen as a barrier to political participation, with nomination forms costing tens or even hundreds of millions of naira, far exceeding the national minimum wage of N70,000 monthly.

The coalition argues that this practice violates several provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. CPPI demands a substantial reduction in nomination fees and the establishment of a transparent fee structure that reflects economic realities.