The All Progressives Congress announced that aspirants seeking to contest local government chairmanship elections in the state will pay N30 million for nomination forms.
The decision was made public by the state APC leadership after a meeting involving party officials from the 13 local government areas and 171 wards. The fee covers both the expression of interest and nomination forms for chairmanship aspirants, while those seeking councillorship positions are required to pay N250,000. The sale of forms began earlier in January and will run ahead of the party’s primaries, with local government elections scheduled for August 2026.
The announcement has triggered strong reactions across the state and beyond, with many residents, political analysts and civil groups saying the cost shuts out grassroots politicians and limits participation to wealthy individuals or those with strong political backing. Critics argue that local elections are meant to bring governance closer to the people, but the price placed on the forms makes it difficult for average party members to compete.
Concerns have also been raised over the financial reality of the position. Figures from official revenue records show that the total earnings of a local government chairman over a four-year term may not reach the amount required to purchase the form, raising fears that elected officials may feel pressured to recover their expenses while in office.
Public debate grew stronger after a young politician linked to a prominent political family in the state obtained the N30 million form to contest a chairmanship seat. While supporters describe the move as proof that youths are taking part in politics, others see it as evidence that the high cost favours political families and entrenched interests.
Party officials have defended the fee, saying it is meant to screen serious aspirants and strengthen internal processes. However, many observers believe the issue points to a wider problem in Nigerian politics, where access to elective offices increasingly depends on money rather than popular support.
As the deadline for form sales approaches and party primaries draw closer, the controversy continues to stir discussions about fairness, access and the future of local democracy in Ebonyi State.