Want to run for president of Nigeria? Shell out $170,000 for just a nomination form

LAGOS: Nigeria’s main political parties are charging eye-watering fees from election hopefuls, in a move condemned as undemocratic and a breeding ground for high-level cronyism and corruption.

Supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan pooled their resources to stump up the 22 million naira (S$170,000 dollars) to buy his nomination form from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) is asking for 27.5 million naira, forcing one prospective candidate, former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, to take out a bank loan. For governorship posts, the PDP is asking for 11 million naira while the APC wants 10 million naira - all before anyone is even chosen to run at the elections next year.

Candidates for parliamentary elections are also having to pay huge sums of cash, far outstripping the fees charged elsewhere in West Africa. Political and legal analysts say the exorbitant rates in Nigeria are illegal, discourage popular participation in the electoral process and consolidate power among the wealthy elite.

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AFP