Political analyst Jide Ojo has raised concerns over the financial burden placed on aspirants during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, describing the process as unfair and lacking transparency in some instances.
Speaking during an interview on News Central TV, Ojo criticized the high cost of nomination and expression of interest forms required from aspirants seeking political office. According to him, many politicians spend enormous sums of money only to face disqualification or be pressured into stepping down under consensus arrangements.
Highlighting the financial implications, Ojo stated, “If you have ₦10 million, you can buy a fairly used car that will serve you for a year.” He used the statement to emphasize how expensive the political process has become for individuals seeking elective positions.
Ojo argued that the current system raises concerns about fairness and equal opportunity within political parties. He noted that some aspirants invest heavily in the process but are later denied the opportunity to contest after purchasing forms and completing other requirements.
While acknowledging that the Electoral Act permits consensus candidacy, Ojo maintained that the process should be transparent and based on voluntary agreement among aspirants. He stressed that no contestant should be compelled to withdraw from a race through internal political pressure or influence.
The political analyst also criticized situations where aspirants allegedly learned of their disqualification while primary elections were already in progress. According to him, screening procedures should be concluded well before the primaries to allow dissatisfied aspirants enough time to seek redress through party channels.
Ojo further suggested that political parties should separate expression of interest fees from nomination fees. He explained that such a measure could reduce the financial risks faced by aspirants who may eventually be denied the opportunity to participate fully in the electoral process.
He added that competitive primaries are essential for strengthening internal democracy within political parties. In his view, open contests provide aspirants with the opportunity to test their popularity and legitimacy among party members before emerging as candidates.
Ojo concluded by urging political parties in Nigeria to uphold transparency, accountability, and fairness in their primary election processes to build public trust and minimize internal disputes ahead of future elections…….See More
Leave a Reply