Nigerian Political Party Condemns Fees for Local Election Nomination Forms, Warns of Potential Rebellion

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has strongly condemned the move by state governments in Nigeria to impose a plutocracy on the country’s fledgling democracy by charging fees for nomination forms to contest local government elections. According to a statement issued by the party’s National Chairman, Falalu Bello, this practice is an attempt to exclude ordinary Nigerians from participating in the democratic process.

Bello emphasized that every Nigerian has the right to participate in the democratic process without being hindered by financial constraints. He argued that democracy should be about inclusivity, not exclusivity, and warned that if the ruling class continues with this practice, ordinary Nigerians, including the Nigerian youth who make up over 60% of registered voters, may rebel against the system.

The PRP chairman urged Nigerians to unite in the struggle for democratic rights and demand that leaders prioritize the interests of the people over personal gain. He also threatened to take legal action if the party’s demands are not met, stating that the practice of using financial strength to exclude ordinary Nigerians from participating in the electoral process is a breach of their fundamental human right to participate in their governance in a plural democracy.

This development has sparked concerns about the future of democracy in Nigeria, with many fearing that the move could further erode trust in the electoral process and exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities. As the country prepares for local government elections, the PRP’s condemnation of the fees has sent a strong message to the government and the people of Nigeria about the importance of protecting democratic rights and ensuring that all citizens have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process.