Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Political Parties’ Nomination Fees
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday dismissed a suit filed by human rights lawyer, Ejime Okolie, against the Independent National Electoral Commission and 19 political parties, over alleged exorbitant expression of interest and nomination fees.
Okolie had approached the court to challenge what he described as outrageous fees imposed on party members seeking to contest elective positions.
Delivering judgment, Binta Nyako held that the matter falls strictly within the internal affairs of political parties, stressing that the court cannot interfere in such issues.
She ruled that the imposition of high fees by political parties does not constitute a constitutional violation.
The judge noted that although all the defendants were duly served, only a few responded to the suit.
She added that some respondents filed preliminary objections, questioning Okolie’s legal standing to institute the case.
According to her, political parties operate based on their own rules and guidelines, despite the constitutional right to freedom of association.
She said a member is free to leave one party for another if he is unsatisfied with the way and manner a party conducts its affairs.
While commending Okolie for filing the suit, she declared that the application lacked merit and was therefore dismissed.
Responding, Okolie said, “I had taken the judgment in good faith. The court has the discretionary power to either grant or refuse my application.
“My interest is for democracy, for good governance and I have done my best for my nation.
“I would have loved to appeal against the decision but there was no time because political activities had begun and my case might become academic at the Appeal Court.”
Also reacting, the National Legal Adviser of the Young Progressives Party, Uche-Levis Abonyi, described the judgment as “sound.”
“I quite agree with my lord because this matter is a matter that is exclusively within the affairs of political parties.
“INEC no longer funds political parties and the only way a political party makes money is through the nomination and expression of interest forms. So, it is a matter within the internal affairs of political parties.
“If a member feels this party is very expensive and he cannot run under their platform, there are several other political parties that you can fly their flags. That is why it is democracy,” he said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
