Politics
THE Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, Anambra State Branch, has commended the National Democratic Congress, NDC, for adopting a policy that requires only candidates who win party primaries to pay nomination fees, describing it as a patriotic and democratic step toward opening Nigeria’s political space.
In a statement signed by the State Branch CLO Chairman, Vincent Ezekwueme and Chidi Mbah, Secretary, the group stated that the NDC’s decision aligns with its long-standing position that political parties should treat primaries as a mechanism for selecting credible candidates, not as revenue-generating ventures.
“This policy is in tandem with the postulation of the Civil Liberties Organization that political parties must not commercialize the primary election process,” the statement said.
“When primaries become a source of income for parties, the result is the exclusion of competent, but less financially endowed aspirants and the weakening of internal democracy.”
The CLO noted that exorbitant costs of expression of interest and nomination forms have become one of the biggest barriers to political participation in Nigeria.
The consequence, it noted, is a political system dominated by money rather than merit, which directly hinders the delivery of democratic dividends and good governance.
“Fortunately, the NDC has taken the lead by adopting a model that reduces the financial burden on aspirants. By requiring payment only from successful primary election winners, the party has made it possible for more Nigerians with the capacity and vision to serve to contest elections,” the CLO stated.
The organisation has therefore called on all political parties in the country to emulate the NDC’s approach and take the following steps:
1. Reduce the cost of expression of interest and nomination forms to realistic and affordable levels.
2. Adopt the ‘winner-pays’ model for nomination fees to prevent the monetization of primaries.
3. Refund nomination fees to aspirants who participate in primaries but do not emerge as candidates.
(4).Ban aspirants who shared money to party leaders/members during primary election.
“High costs of participation do not only disenfranchise aspirants; they also disenfranchise the electorate by limiting their choices to those who can pay, not those who can serve,” CLO said.
The CLO has therefore reaffirmed its commitment to defending civil liberties, promoting electoral integrity and strengthening democratic institutions in the country.
It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Civil Society Organizations, and the Media to sustain pressure on political parties to adopt transparent and inclusive selection processes.
“We believe that when the cost of contesting is fair, the quality of candidates improves and ultimately, governance improves. Democracy must work for the people, not against them,” the organisation added.
A.I
May 30, 2026
Tags: Chidi Mbah Civil Liberties Organization CLO INEC NDC Vincent Ezekwueme