Youth Shut Out! 2027 Elections Dominated by Money and Political Godfathers

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, the soaring cost of political participation is increasingly marginalizing young aspirants, transforming financial strength and entrenched influence networks into formidable obstacles. Despite public commitments to youth inclusion and reforms aimed at broadening political engagement, many young Nigerians find their political ambitions hampered by significant financial and structural barriers, sparking a debate on whether the system fosters democratic participation or merely preserves access for the wealthy and well-connected.

Investigations into the 2027 election cycle reveal substantial nomination and expression of interest fees across major political parties. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has set its presidential forms at N100 million, governorship at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, House of Representatives at N10 million, and State House of Assembly at N2 million. Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fixed its presidential forms at N40 million, governorship at N21 million, Senate at N3.5 million, House of Representatives at N2.5 million, and State Assembly at N600,000. While the African Democratic Congress (ADC) maintained relatively lower fees, aspirants noted that associated costs like consultations, mobilization, and delegate politics still rendered participation unaffordable for many.

Muhammad Indimi, a 40-year-old ADC candidate for the State House of Assembly in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, confirmed that his party's nomination costs did not exceed N2.5 million, significantly lower than the APC's comparable N6 million. Indimi argued that such exorbitant fees exclude many capable young Nigerians with leadership potential and ideas, stating, "Once nomination forms become too expensive, participation becomes limited to those with financial strength and many young people are pushed out before the contest even begins."

Oronsanyo Robert Uyi, 44, from Edo State, shared a similar experience. Initially aiming to contest the House of Representatives seat for Ovia Federal Constituency under the APC, Uyi found his ambition challenged by internal party arrangements and the financial demands. Even after switching to the smaller Nigerian Democratic Congress, the burden of consultations, mobilization, and meeting nomination requirements persisted, forcing him to step back. Uyi lamented, "Young people are encouraged to participate in politics, but the process is dominated by money and influence," emphasizing that the issue is not a lack of ideas but the prohibitive cost of remaining politically competitive.

Political analysts echo these concerns. Dr. Christian Okeke, a political scientist at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, noted that the current political structure favors individuals with "deep pockets" rather than older politicians. He explained that nomination and expression of interest forms have become luxuries only "moneybags" can afford, while consensus arrangements often tilt processes in favor of established interests. Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, highlighted the dual challenge of financial barriers and primary election processes that suffer from weak transparency, leaving powerful party brokers with undue influence. She called for legislative reforms, amendments to electoral laws, stronger internal party policies, and a more detailed legal framework to define primary procedures and impose limits on nomination costs.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, during the Nigerian Bar Association's Law Week, underscored that democracy's true measure lies in public confidence and access, not just election conduct. He warned that when participation is limited by financial considerations, democracy risks becoming procedural rather than truly representative, stating that "The cost of expression of interest and nomination forms should not be used to eliminate candidates from political contests deliberately."

Conversely, political parties defend their nomination fees. Alhaji Bashir Kundu, APC Publicity Secretary in Jigawa State, argued that fees reflect the realities of modern campaigns and ensure aspirants comprehend the extensive financial responsibilities involved in elections. He questioned how an aspirant unable to afford a N50 million governorship form would manage to campaign across numerous local government areas, establish structures, and deploy agents. However, Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), conceded that nomination fees are "outrageous," attributing them to parties' lean resources and lack of government support, which forces reliance on members with "deep pockets." Dantalle urged the government to review existing frameworks to ease political participation for young Nigerians.

As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over who can genuinely afford political participation continues to intensify. For many young Nigerians aspiring to leadership, the ultimate challenge may not be their vision or capabilities, but rather the prohibitive price of entry into the political arena.