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Former Chairman of the Special Presidential Panel on Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, against compelling aspirants to pay hefty sums for nomination forms only to rig them out in favour of preferred candidates.
He warned that such a practice, if not checked, could be suicidal for internal democracy and deeply demoralising for aspirants who invest heavily in party nominations.
In a statement issued in Calabar, the former presidential aide said political office should not be determined by “the pockets of party leaders,” stressing that aspirants should not be made to pay between ₦10 million, N20 million and ₦50 million for forms, only to be denied a fair contest.
Obono-Obla said the credibility of the party depends on fairness and transparency, adding that the APC must work to earn and retain the trust of its members through credible primaries.
“Fairness and transparency must guide the primaries,” he stated, noting that justice in the process would strengthen the party and ensure the emergence of credible representatives of the people.
He recalled his personal experience during the 2023 election cycle, alleging that he was compelled to sell a house he built in Calabar for ₦22 million in order to purchase a senatorial nomination form.
According to him, despite the huge financial sacrifice, the process was allegedly manipulated in favour of preferred aspirants through the selection of delegates loyal to certain interests within the party leadership in Cross River State.
He further alleged that on the day of the primary election in Ikom, favoured aspirants distributed large sums of money, reportedly sourced from the state, to influence delegates’ decisions.
“Delegates received between ₦200,000 and ₦300,000 each,” he alleged, adding that many of those involved in the process are now unhappy with the quality of representation that followed.
Obono-Obla urged the APC to ensure fairness, equity, and internal democracy as it prepares for its primary elections ahead of the 2027 general polls, insisting that members must be allowed to freely choose candidates who truly represent their interests.
Don’t compel aspirants to pay ₦50m for forms only to rig them out – Obono-Obla warns APC
