Nigeria's Politics Too Costly for Young Aspirants, Warns Ex-Minister

Nigeria's political landscape is facing a significant challenge: the escalating cost of contesting elections, a concern voiced by former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed. Speaking at the London School of Economics, Mohammed highlighted how prohibitive fees act as a major deterrent, particularly for aspiring young politicians.

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The field of politics in Nigeria is open to young and ambitious people. However, politics in Nigeria is more expensive than in other parts of the world. That is also a factor we must work at.

Mohammed detailed the substantial financial requirements, citing presidential aspirants needing to pay up to N100 million for nomination and expression of interest forms. Similar high costs apply to governorship and senatorial candidates, creating a steep financial barrier to entry. This situation, he explained, stems from the funding model of Nigerian political parties, which depend heavily on the sale of these forms for revenue, unlike systems in places like the UK where membership dues provide a steadier income.

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So, it is a bit expensive even to enter into the race and that is one area we need to work at. Yes, it is the only way the party makes money and develops the party because unlike in the UK or elsewhere, people don’t pay their membership dues and we have no mechanism to ensure that they pay.

Despite these financial hurdles, Mohammed maintained a degree of optimism, asserting that the political field in Nigeria remains accessible to ambitious individuals. He pointed to numerous young Nigerians without prior political experience who are successfully navigating the system and achieving positions in governance. This suggests that while money plays a role, merit and ambition can still pave the way.

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There is still a level playing field if you understand the rules. Many young people without political antecedents are doing well in Nigerian politics and governance.

From a Nigerian perspective, this discussion touches upon a perennial debate about the democratization of political participation. While Western media might focus on election outcomes or policy debates, the local discourse often grapples with the structural issues that influence who can realistically run for office. The reliance on form sales for party funding is a unique aspect of Nigeria's political economy, creating a system where political capital is intrinsically linked to financial capacity. Addressing this issue is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy, ensuring that talent and vision, rather than just wealth, determine political leadership.

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My priority was not just to communicate government policies, but also to listen. I realised that until you get feedback from the people, you are not going to really address their real issues. So as much as speaking is good, you must also listen and when you listen, you get the sentiments of the peopl