The Nigeria Democratic Congress has admitted that 80 per cent of its 2027 candidates could not afford the party’s expression of interest forms. The party’s spokesperson, Osa Director, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday. He said the candidates could not pay because of hunger and poverty in the country. The party issued the forms free of charge to those affected. It did not name them.
Nomination fees have become a barrier to political entry in Nigeria. The Electoral Act 2022 capped some expenses but left party forms unregulated. Major parties charge millions for presidential and governorship forms. The APC and PDP have both faced criticism over the cost of aspirational forms. In 2022, the Labour Party waived fees for some aspirants. Smaller parties often use form sales to fund operations. When candidates cannot pay, the party loses revenue. The NDC’s admission exposes that trade-off. It also exposes the economic pressure on aspirants.
Director said the shortfall weakened the party’s finances. “Our finances would have been more robust,” he said. “However, contrary to speculations in the public domain, and due to the level of poverty, hunger and deprivation in the country occasioned by the rudderless APC and its amorphous economic policies, about 80% of our candidates could not afford the Expression of Interest forms.”
The party will publish its statement of account on Monday. The National Treasurer, John Odey, will present it at the party’s third National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja. Director said the move reflects the party’s commitment to transparency. He challenged other parties, especially the APC, to do the same. The meeting will also unveil the NDC’s National Campaign Council. It will present certificates of return to candidates.
The APC did not respond. Its national spokesperson, Felix Morka, did not answer calls or a text message.
The claim is political. It blames the ruling party for hardship. It also serves a practical purpose. It explains the party’s finances before they are published. If the accounts show a shortfall, the explanation is already on record. The challenge to the APC shifts attention to its own finances.
Winners: The NDC, which gains a narrative. Candidates who received free forms. The party’s transparency push, if the accounts are published. Losers: The APC, which is blamed and silent. Candidates who paid full fees. The party’s finances, which are weaker. Voters, who see another party constrained by money.
Bottom Line: Eighty per cent of NDC candidates could not buy forms. The party blames the APC. It gave the forms free. It will publish its accounts. The gesture is transparent. It is also a reminder that money gates Nigerian politics. The 2027 election will be fought by parties that can fund themselves. The NDC is admitting it struggles.