Court Seeks to Slash Sky-High Party Nomination Fees

A coalition of civil society groups has backed a court action targeting the steep fees political parties charge aspiring candidates for nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 elections. The group argues that these high costs prevent many Nigerians from participating in the political process and limit access to elective offices.

The lawsuit was filed in the Federal High Court in Abuja by human rights lawyer Ejime Okolie, representing citizens who cannot afford the exorbitant nomination expenses demanded by parties. The legal team is seeking a court order requiring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to set caps on the fees parties can charge, aiming to make political participation more equitable.

Nineteen political parties, including major parties such as APC and PDP, were named as defendants in the case. The coalition emphasizes that lowering these financial barriers would allow young people, grassroots aspirants, and low-income Nigerians a fairer chance to run for office.

The court has scheduled the case for hearing in March, providing an opportunity to determine whether limits on nomination fees will be enforced nationwide.