Lawmakers in
Abuja on Monday decried the high cost of
the forms for expression of interest and
nomination for the 2015 general elections
being sold by political parties in the country.
Umar Jubril, APC-Kogi, told the News
Agency of Nigeria that the costs of the
forms would make qualified politicians to
shelve their ambitions.
Mr. Jubril said that although parties used
the sale as means of raising funds, it also
contributed to the high cost of political
campaigns in the country.
Similarly, Aminu Jonathan, PDP-Plateau,
said the cost and high cost of campaigns
made the practice of democracy an
exclusive right of elites.
“It is for people who have the wherewithal
to participate in the process of democracy”.
According to Mr. Jonathan, the high cost of
forms is preventing people who have the
desire to serve the public not to do so.
“Look at the sum of money needed in this
democratic process.
“The one that is quite worrisome is the issue
of young persons who are at 25 years.
“A member of the house of assembly, as
provided by the constitution, is from age of
25 and how can a person at 25 years have
access to N1.5 million to buy forms?
“So to an extent, this is a contradiction.
“I think that this does not give room for
people who are really having the desire to
contribute meaningfully to the country
because of the issue of funds,’’ Mr.
Jonathan said.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,
presidential forms costs N22 million;
senatorial seat, House of Representatives
and state assemblies forms cost N4.5
million, N2.5 million and N1.2 million
respectively.
In All Progressives Congress, APC, aspirants
to the office of the President are expected
to pay N27.5 million; state chairman, N100,
000 and aspirants for state executive
committee, N30, 000.
Local government executive committee
membership, for example in Cross River,
attracts N10, 000; ward chairmanship,
10,000 and ward executive membership,
N2, 000.