2027: ADC Chieftain Says Nomination Fees May Shut Out Youths

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr Aminu Abdurrahman Anas, has described the party’s nomination fees as too high.

He said the cost could discourage young people from participating in the party primaries.

Recall that the ADC recently reviewed the cost of its presidential expression of interest and nomination forms to N90 million, governorship forms to N30 million, Senate forms to N10 million, House of Representatives forms to N5 million, and State House of Assembly forms to N2 million.

The party had previously fixed the presidential expression of interest and nomination forms at N100 million, governorship forms at N50 million, Senate forms at N20 million, and House of Representatives forms at N10 million.

The ADC said it retained its concessionary policy, offering a 50 per cent discount to youth aspirants aged 18 to 35, and a 25 per cent discount to women and persons living with disabilities.

It noted that the changes were aimed at strengthening internal democracy, improving access, and ensuring a credible and inclusive process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, speaking to journalists, Anas said, “The reason parties charge fees is to weed out those who are not serious. But democracy should not be so restrictive that only those who can afford huge sums can contest.”

He stressed that political parties should prioritise inclusiveness over revenue generation, especially at a time of economic hardship.

“It should not be about making money. It should be about giving people the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity. At the grassroots level, if more people contest and pay moderate fees, administrative costs can still be covered,” he added.

The party chieftain also rejected consensus arrangements, insisting that credible primaries remain central to democratic practice.

“The right thing in democracy is to conduct primaries. Let members decide. With technology, every registered member can participate effectively,” he said.

Speaking further, the party member noted that some political actors speculated to have left the party might still remain within its membership structure.

“The funniest thing is that they are already members of the ADC. I don’t think they have gone through the process of deregistration.

“Once you are registered, your details move from your polling unit to the ward, local government, state, and the party’s platform with the Independent National Electoral Commission,” he said.

He recalled that in 2022, the party waived nomination fees for women, persons with disabilities, and youths under 30, describing the policy as progressive and inclusive.

“Why reverse such gains now, especially when the economy has worsened? The youth see the ADC as their platform. Excluding them now means repeating the same mistakes we once criticised,” he said.

He explained that the party’s registration system links members from the grassroots to the national level, making it possible for former members to reintegrate without difficulty.

Despite ongoing legal disputes and recent defections, he expressed confidence in the party’s future, citing the Supreme Court judgment, which he said reaffirmed the leadership of David Mark.

“I am very confident. The judgment has given protection to the leadership, and in the coming weeks, we will conclude our primaries and move forward,” he said.