Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has criticised Nigeria’s political financing system, stating that it effectively restricts electoral participation to the wealthy.
Falana argued that the current structure makes it extremely difficult for ordinary Nigerians to contest for public office, as the cost of running for elections continues to rise beyond the reach of most citizens.
According to him, the high cost of nomination forms, campaign funding, and party processes has created a system where only billionaires and financially powerful individuals can realistically vie for political positions.
He warned that this trend undermines democracy by limiting inclusiveness and reducing opportunities for competent but less wealthy candidates to participate in governance.
Falana called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s political financing framework, stressing the need to make the electoral process more accessible, transparent, and fair for all citizens.
