The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging the high cost of expression of interest and nomination forms imposed by political parties on aspirants.
The case, filed by human rights lawyer Ejime Okolie against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and 19 political parties, sought to question what he described as “outrageous” fees required of party members seeking elective positions.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the matter falls strictly within the internal affairs of political parties, stressing that the court lacks the authority to interfere in such issues.
According to the court, the imposition of high nomination fees does not constitute a constitutional violation. Justice Nyako noted that while all parties involved were duly served, only a few responded, with some raising preliminary objections questioning the plaintiff’s legal standing.
The judge emphasized that political parties operate based on their own rules and guidelines, and while the Constitution guarantees freedom of association, members retain the right to leave any party whose practices they find unsatisfactory.
Despite acknowledging the effort behind the suit, the court held that the application lacked merit and consequently dismissed it.
Reacting to the judgment, Okolie said he accepted the decision in good faith, noting that although he would have preferred to appeal, time constraints due to ongoing political activities could render the case irrelevant at the appellate level.
“My interest is for democracy and good governance. I have done my best for my nation,” he stated.
Also commenting, the National Legal Adviser of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Uche-Levis Abonyi, described the ruling as sound. He argued that since INEC no longer funds political parties, nomination and expression of interest fees remain a primary source of revenue.
Abonyi added that democracy provides alternatives, noting that aspirants who find the fees unaffordable are free to seek platforms in other political parties.
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