In a recent interview highlighted by Arise News, Nigerian lawyer Maxwell Opara expressed deep concern over the escalating cost of political participation in Nigeria and its broader implications for democratic governance
He specifically criticized provisions within the Electoral Act, arguing that the financial thresholds established for campaign spending may be counterproductive
“The Electoral Act, which set a ₦50 billion benchmark for presidential campaign spending, encourages corruption
Opara contended that such a high ceiling for campaign expenditure creates unrealistic expectations for political actors. In his view, no credible political party can legitimately generate such vast resources without anticipating some form of return once in power
This dynamic, he argued, fosters an environment where public office is seen as an opportunity to recoup investments, thereby increasing the likelihood of corrupt practices within governmen
He further explained that the commercialization of politics has significantly altered the democratic landscape, making it increasingly difficult for capable but financially disadvantaged individuals to contest for leadership positions
According to Opara, this trend undermines inclusivity and reduces the diversity of candidates, as political participation becomes largely restricted to those with substantial financial backing or elite connection
The legal practitioner also linked high campaign costs to governance challenges, noting that elected officials may prioritize personal financial recovery over public service deliver
He suggested that this misalignment of priorities contributes to inefficiency and weakens the overall quality of governance. For Opara, the issue extends beyond elections, affecting long-term public trust in democratic institution
To address these concerns, he called for comprehensive electoral reforms aimed at lowering both campaign spending limits and nomination fee
Such measures, he argued, would make the political process more accessible, transparent, and competitive, thereby encouraging broader participation from qualified individuals across different socio-economic background.
