CLO Raises Alarm Over Monetization of Elections, Calls for Urgent Electoral Reforms

The Anambra State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organization has expressed serious concern over what it described as the growing monetization and commercialization of Nigeria’s electoral process, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to democracy and national development.

In a communiqué issued in Awka and signed by the Chairman of the organization, Vincent Ezekwueme, and Secretary, Chidi Mbah, the group lamented the high cost of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms imposed by political parties, saying the practice has shut out many competent and patriotic Nigerians from contesting elective positions.

According to the group, democracy is being reduced to a system where public offices are effectively sold to the highest bidders instead of being occupied by individuals with proven competence and integrity.

The organization noted that party primary elections have increasingly become transactional, with delegates allegedly voting based on financial inducements rather than the character, capacity, and credibility of aspirants.

The communiqué stated that the development has weakened meritocracy, encouraged mediocrity, and endangered the future of the country’s democratic system.

The statement, themed *“The Worst Civilian Government Is Better Than the Most Benevolent Military Rule,”* stressed that despite the imperfections of civilian administrations, democracy remains the only legitimate path to accountability, good governance, and the protection of civil liberties.

As part of its recommendations, the CLO called on political parties to drastically reduce the cost of nomination forms, insisting that political participation is a constitutional right and not a privilege reserved for the wealthy.

The group also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to collaborate with the National Assembly in establishing enforceable limits on nomination fees and campaign spending, including during party primaries.

It further called on political stakeholders to uphold democratic principles, the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Electoral Act 2022, and the rule of law, while rejecting nepotism, tribalism, favoritism, and impunity in the political process.

Addressing Nigerian voters, the organization encouraged citizens to elect leaders based on what it described as the “4 Cs” — Competence, Character, Capacity, and Conscience — instead of financial inducements.

The CLO warned that the monetization of elections undermines the ideals of June 12 and the sacrifices made by pro-democracy heroes, adding that democracy can only thrive when the electoral process remains free, fair, credible, and inclusive.

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the political space, engaging stakeholders, and advocating reforms aimed at strengthening democracy and expanding civic participation in Nigeria.