Expand The Democratic Space

Nigeria’s major political parties are concluding their national conventions after conducting ward, local government, and state congresses to ratify new leadership structures. These processes are expected to position the parties for the forthcoming election cycle, which will culminate in the February 6, 2026 governorship and House of Assembly elections, followed by the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already released the electoral timetable, signalling the beginning of intense political activity as parties prepare to nominate candidates. This election season comes at a time of significant economic hardship for many Nigerians. The removal of petrol subsidy, the floating of the naira, and the global economic consequences of the Middle East conflict have combined to deepen financial strain across the country. In such circumstances, it becomes even more critical for citizens to make informed decisions about those who will represent them in government.
However, beyond economic pressures, other developments threaten to further constrict Nigeria’s democratic and civic space. There are growing concerns that powerful political actors are increasingly dominating party structures and key democratic institutions, thereby limiting the ability of ordinary citizens to participate meaningfully in the political process. In some instances, influential figures have openly suggested that party nominations will favour only those who demonstrate loyalty to particular interests, rather than competence, credibility, or popular support.
Such tendencies undermine the core principle of democracy, which is founded on the right of the people to freely choose their leaders through transparent and competitive elections. Any attempt to restrict participation or impose candidates on the electorate weakens democratic culture and erodes public confidence in governance. These practices must be firmly rejected by all stakeholders committed to democratic ideals.
Equally troubling is the growing concern over the high cost of nomination forms charged by political parties for aspirants seeking elective office. For instance, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has set nomination fees reportedly as high as N200 million for presidential aspirants, N150 million for governorship candidates, N100 million for Senate aspirants, N70 million for the House of Representatives, and N20 million for House of Assembly seats.
These fees effectively exclude the majority of Nigerians from contesting elections, leaving the political space largely accessible only to the wealthy or those backed by powerful financial interests. The implication is that many capable and credible individuals may be discouraged from seeking public office, while those who secure nominations may feel indebted to private sponsors rather than accountable to the electorate.
Democracy should not be reduced to a privilege reserved for a few individuals with deep pockets. Leadership recruitment must remain open, competitive, and accessible to citizens from diverse backgrounds. When the cost of entry into public service becomes excessively high, the risk increases that public office holders may prioritise the interests of financiers over those of the people they are elected to serve.
INEC, as the regulator of the electoral process, should work with political parties and other stakeholders to ensure that nomination processes are fair, inclusive, and reflective of democratic principles. Civil society organisations also have an important role to play in advocating reforms that will expand participation and protect the integrity of the democratic process. Where necessary, legal avenues should be explored to promote transparency and prevent practices that undermine equal political opportunity.
Ultimately, democracy thrives when citizens are able to freely participate in choosing their leaders and when political competition is based on ideas, competence, and service, rather than financial muscle or personal loyalty networks. Expanding the democratic space is therefore not merely desirable; it is essential for building a system that truly reflects the will and aspirations of the people.