Party Nomination Costs Likened to Corruption by House Minority Leader
- House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda condemned party nomination costs
- Chinda emphasized the corruption linked to political nominations
- Proposed reforms aim at increasing internal democracy
- Recommendations included digital voting and spending caps
- Adebowale Olorunmola highlighted barriers facing women in politics
Chinda Critiques Monetary Influence in Elections
House Minority Leader Mr. Kingsley Chinda has strongly criticized the growing monetary influence in political party nominations. He made these comments during a keynote address on Tuesday in Abuja at a presentation focused on the Cost of Politics and Political Inclusion Report, which was organized by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. In his address, Chinda described the monetization of party nominations as possibly the most corrupt phase within Nigeria’s electoral system—raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the nomination process.
Need for Reforms in Party Nominations
Chinda demanded reforms that will promote greater internal democracy within political parties. He believes one of the solutions lies in reducing the substantial financial barriers that hinder political participation. Chinda recommended implementing digital voting systems for party primaries, improving transparency in delegate selection, and setting clear limits on campaign expenditures. He emphasized that enforcement of existing laws is crucial, citing that laws under the Electoral Act delimiting candidate spending are frequently ignored with no repercussions.
Advocating for Democratic Inclusivity in Nigeria
The Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Adebowale Olorunmola, echoed many of Chinda’s concerns during his opening remarks. He labeled the escalating costs of electioneering in Nigeria as a significant threat to democracy and inclusiveness. According to him, the Foundation’s new report outlines how these financial barriers hinder political participation, particularly impacting women. Olorunmola urged all involved stakeholders to engage in these discussions with a commitment to creating a political environment that allows for meaningful participation from all Nigerians, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status.
The comments made by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda highlight the pressing need to address the issue of monetary influence in political nominations in Nigeria. The proposed reforms aim to increase internal democracy and reduce financial barriers that currently obstruct many potential candidates. The support from various stakeholders, as emphasized by Adebowale Olorunmola, will be crucial in efforts to foster a political landscape that embraces participation from all segments of society.
