ADC Aspirant Advocates for Competence Over Financial Might in Candidate Selection for 2027 Primaries

Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, also known as Ugonecheora, has issued a strong appeal to Nigerian political parties, advocating for the abolition or substantial reduction of high nomination fees for aspirants. She contends that such measures would pave the way for authentic leadership and broaden opportunities for women and individuals with disabilities.

In a statement titled “End the Paywall on Leadership: Let Competence, Not Cash, Decide our Candidates,” Dr. Ikokwu, who is seeking to represent the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket, argued that Nigeria's political landscape cannot genuinely flourish when access is dictated by financial capacity.

She observed that the prohibitive cost of party nomination forms has effectively transformed political participation into an exclusive domain for the affluent, thereby barring capable women, young individuals, and persons with disabilities before they even have a chance to enter the race.

“If leadership is truly about service, then access to contest must not be determined by bank balance, but by vision, integrity, and the courage to lead,” she stated.

“Political parties, especially the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on whose platform I’m running, must take deliberate steps to eliminate or drastically reduce the cost of nomination forms. I also expect that women and PWDs are allowed to pay discounted fees, if indeed they must pay. If we are serious about deepening democracy, then access to contest should not be reserved for the wealthy or those backed by powerful financiers.

“Money politics has done deep damage to the quality of our representation, and the reasons are clear. It sidelines visionary candidates who have ideas, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve, but lack the financial muscle to compete. By removing these financial, and other barriers, parties will not only expand participation but also elevate the standard of leadership. Nigeria deserves leaders chosen for their competence and character, not the size of their wallets.”

Ikokwu further argued that Nigeria cannot claim to desire inclusive leadership while simultaneously maintaining barriers that exclude qualified citizens. As a former journalist who transitioned into politics, she indicated that she has witnessed firsthand how the exorbitant cost of party nomination forms discourages not only women but also young people from even considering political office.

“These fees are not a measure of competence or commitment, they are simply a financial gatekeeping tool that narrows our democratic space,” she asserted.