The All Progressives Congress APC in Ebonyi State has sparked widespread controversy after announcing that nomination forms for local government chairmanship positions will cost aspirants N30 million.
The decision, disclosed by the state party chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, has drawn sharp criticism from political observers, civil society groups and residents, who argue that the fee effectively shuts out grassroots politicians and ordinary Ebonyi indigenes, turning local elections into an exclusive contest for the wealthy or politically connected.
The announcement followed a closed door meeting with party officials from the state’s 13 local government areas and 171 wards.
According to Emegha, the N30 million charge covers both the expression of interest and nomination forms for chairmanship aspirants, while councillorship forms are priced at N250,000.
Sales of forms for delegates and councillors began on January 8, with chairmanship forms available from January 9 to January 19, ahead of the planned local government elections in August 2026.
Data from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC indicate that even if a local government chairman saves every kobo of official salary and allowances over a full four year term, total earnings would still fall short of N30 million.
This has prompted many critics to describe the fee as not only prohibitive but also a potential incentive for corruption, as successful candidates may view their tenure primarily as a chance to recoup their “investment.”
Public reaction has been swift and intense. On social media platforms such as X formerly Twitter, users have condemned the move as “moneycracy” rather than democracy.
The controversy deepened after Osbourne Umahi, the 27 year old son of former Ebonyi State Governor and current Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, purchased the N30 million form to contest the Ohaozara Local Government Area chairmanship.
Supporters have praised him as a capable young politician committed to youth empowerment and infrastructure development, with the state APC chairman describing him as “intelligent” and capable of turning around the area’s fortunes.
However, critics argue that the episode highlights how the high fee favours political dynasties and individuals with access to significant resources or influential godfathers, further alienating average citizens.
The Ebonyi APC has defended the pricing, with some officials suggesting it ensures that only “committed” and financially viable candidates emerge.
Yet the backlash has revived broader concerns about the commercialisation of elective offices in Nigeria, where nomination fees for even modest positions now rival or exceed those for higher national roles in previous election cycles.
As the window for form sales closes and party primaries draw nearer, debate continues over whether the policy represents necessary party discipline or a deliberate barrier that undermines democratic inclusion at the grassroots level.
For many in Ebonyi, the N30 million price tag sends a stark message that local leadership is no longer within reach of the common man.
Whether this uproar will trigger reforms or deepen political divisions remains uncertain, but public discontent shows no sign of fading.
