Ebonyi APC’s N30 million chairmanship fee sparks backlash, raising concerns over exclusion of grassroots politicians and democratic fairness
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has sparked widespread controversy after announcing that nomination forms for local government chairmanship positions will cost aspirants N30 million.
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The announcement, made by state party chairman Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, has drawn sharp criticism from political observers, civil society organisations, and citizens who argue that the fee excludes grassroots politicians and ordinary indigenes, making local elections largely accessible only to the wealthy or politically connected.
The decision followed a closed-door meeting with party officials from the state’s 13 local government areas and 171 wards.
Emegha explained that the N30 million fee covers both the expression of interest and nomination forms for chairmanship aspirants, while councillorship forms are priced at N250,000.
Form sales for delegates and councillors began on 8 January, with chairmanship forms available from 9 to 19 January ahead of the planned August 2026 local government elections.
Data from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) indicates that even if a local government chairman saved every kobo of official salary and allowances over a four-year term, total earnings would still fall short of the N30 million fee.
Critics argue this structure incentivises corruption, as elected officials may focus on recouping their “investment.”
Public reaction has been immediate. Social media users on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) condemned the move as “moneycracy” rather than democracy.
The controversy intensified after Osbourne Umahi, 27, son of former Ebonyi State Governor and current Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, purchased the N30 million form to contest the Ohaozara Local Government Area chairmanship.
Supporters have praised him as a capable young politician committed to youth empowerment and infrastructure development, while the state APC chairman described him as “intelligent” and capable of turning around the area’s fortunes.
However, critics argue the high fee reinforces political dynasties and privileges aspirants with significant financial resources or influential backers, further alienating ordinary citizens.
Some Ebonyi APC officials defended the pricing, suggesting it ensures that only “committed” and financially viable candidates emerge.
Nonetheless, the controversy has highlighted broader concerns in Nigerian politics over the commercialisation of elective offices, where nomination fees for local positions now rival or exceed fees for higher national offices in past election cycles.
As the window for form sales closes and primaries approach, debate continues over whether the N30 million fee is a measure of party discipline or a deliberate barrier to democratic participation.
For many in Ebonyi, the steep price sends a clear message: local leadership is increasingly out of reach for the average citizen.
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Whether this will prompt reforms or deepen divisions remains uncertain, but public scrutiny shows no signs of abating.
