CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, Anambra State Branch, has expressed deep concern over the alarming monetization and commercialization of Nigeria’s electoral system, describing it as a fundamental threat to democracy, democratic culture, and national development.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the group stated this in Awka, Anambra State, in a press release signed by their Chairman, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme and Secretary, Comrade Chidi Mba respectively.
They noted that the barrier of exorbitant cost of expression of interest and nomination forms imposed by political parties has systematically excluded a vast majority of competent, morally upright, and patriotic citizens from seeking elective office.
CLO said, “When access to the ballot is determined by wealth rather than worth, democracy is reduced to a marketplace where public office goes to the highest bidder. This practice does not enhance democracy; it hinders and hollows it out.”
“The Consequence: Delegates for Sale, Leadership for Auction:
It is an unfortunate but undeniable reality that party primary elections have become transactional. Delegates and party members, in many instances, now cast their votes based on financial inducement rather than the competence, character, capacity, and conscience of aspirants. This distortion erodes merit, entrenches mediocrity, and mortgages the future of millions of Nigerians.”
This position was contained in our statement themed: “The Worst Civilian Government Is Better Than the Most Benevolent Military Rule.”
“While we acknowledge imperfections in our civilian administration, we maintain that democracy remains the only legitimate path to good governance, accountability, and the protection of civil liberties.
“Our Demands and Call to Action:
In light of the above, the CLO Anambra State Branch hereby Calls On:
1.Political Parties:
To urgently review and drastically reduce the cost of Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms. Political participation is a constitutional right, not a luxury commodity. Imposing fees that run into tens and hundreds of millions of Naira is undemocratic and exclusionary.
2.The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC:
To work with the National Assembly to set legally enforceable ceilings on nomination fees and campaign expenditures for all elections, including party primaries. INEC must also strengthen monitoring and sanction mechanisms against vote-buying and financial inducement.
3. Political Gladiators and Stakeholders:
To protect, safeguard, and defend our hard-earned democracy by upholding the tenets of democracy, the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Electoral Act 2022, and the rule of law. We must reject, with great disdain, the politics of nepotism, tribalism, favoritism, and impunity.
4.Nigerian Citizens:
To recognize that the enthronement of God-fearing, selfless, and visionary servant-leaders is a collective responsibility. We must resist the temptation to mortgage our conscience for immediate gain. The ballot should be cast based on the “4 Cs”: Competence, Character, Capacity, and Conscience.
Conclusion:
Democracy thrives when the process is free, fair, credible, and inclusive. Monetization of elections betrays the spirit of June 12 and undermines the sacrifices of our heroes past. We must return to politics of ideas, service, and accountability.”
“The CLO will continue to monitor the political space, engage stakeholders, and advocate for reforms that deepen democracy and expand civic space” it stated.