AN EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF HIGH ELECTORAL NOMINATION FEES ON YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS IN OWERRI MUNICIPAL, IMO STATE

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study Electoral processes within liberal democracies cannot be successfully executed without substantial financial resources (Aluaigba, 2015). According to Check, Madise, Majozi, and Hamada (2019), financial capital plays a fundamental role in the political system, as a functional democratic process becomes impractical without adequate funding. Political parties and candidates require substantial resources to run effective campaigns, which are essential to securing electoral success. As Olorunmola (2016) explains, political parties rely on these financial means not only for election-related activities but also for operations that continue between election cycles. To perform these essential functions, political parties must have access to adequate funding. One major consequence of this financial necessity is the high cost of nomination forms, which disproportionately affects young people. Many youths, who typically face economic instability compared to their older counterparts, find it difficult to afford these costs. This financial burden discourages or outright prevents them from contesting for public office, despite the importance of youth participation in democratic processes. Young people bring fresh ideas and perspectives essential to innovation and inclusive governance (UNDP, 2021). In Nigeria, youths aged 15–34 make up a significant proportion of the population and are widely regarded as a vital force for national development. Yet, the financial hurdles associated with political participation often inhibit their political ambitions (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023). The implications of such barriers are far-reaching. Firstly, they restrict the diversity of candidates and the range of policy ideas available to the electorate. Secondly, they create a political environment where only individuals with significant financial backing can run for office, thereby reinforcing pre-existing social and economic inequalities (Okoye & Nwokoro, 2022). While there have been recent legislative efforts to address this issue—such as the Nigerian Electoral Act 2022, which includes provisions aimed at reducing the cost of nomination forms and promoting youth inclusivity—implementation remains a significant challenge. Although the Act encourages political parties to lower the cost of forms and support younger aspirants, compliance and enforcement have been inconsistent. The consistently high cost of expression of interest and nomination forms in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic continues to hinder inclusive political participation. Against this backdrop, this study seeks to examine the impact of high electoral nomination fees on youth participation in elections, with a focus on Owerri Municipal, Imo State. 1.2 Statement of the Problem In Owerri Municipal, Imo State, the prohibitive cost of electoral nomination forms presents a serious obstacle to youth engagement in politics. Firstly, this financial barrier effectively excludes young people from low-income backgrounds, preventing them from taking part in the political process. This exclusion undermines their democratic rights and limits the inclusiveness and representativeness of the political system. The resulting disenfranchisement not only silences youth voices but also weakens the potential for vibrant and equitable governance. Secondly, the excessive cost of nomination forms discourages many qualified and enthusiastic youths from pursuing elective office. Despite having the competence and passion to serve, these young individuals are deterred by the financial demands of contesting elections. Consequently, the political space becomes less diverse and innovative, with fewer alternative ideas being brought forward. Thirdly, this economic barrier deepens existing inequalities among young people. Those from affluent backgrounds can more easily access political opportunities, while those from disadvantaged communities remain excluded. This imbalance perpetuates a cycle of socioeconomic disparity and contributes to the concentration of political power in the hands of a privileged few. As a result, access to political office becomes a matter of wealth rather than merit or public commitment. This study, therefore, aims to critically examine how the high cost of electoral nomination forms affects youth participation in the political process in Owerri Municipal, Imo State. By doing so, it hopes to contribute to the broader discourse on political inclusivity, equity, and democratic engagement in Nigeria. 1.3 Research questions The following questions have been prepared to guide the study 1. To what extent does high cost of nomination form leads to political exclusion of youths from low income background? 2. To what extent does high cost of nomination form deter youths from running for elected offices? 3. To what extent does high cost nomination form increased power imbalance among youths from poor communities? 1.4 Objectives of the study Generally, the study evaluate the Impact of High Electoral Nomination Fees on Youth Participation in Elections in Owerri Municipal, Imo State . The specific objectives is as follows 1. To determine the extent high cost of nomination form leads to political exclusion of youths from low income background. 2. To examine the extent high cost of nomination form deter youths from running for elected offices 3. To investigate the extent high cost nomination form increased power imbalance among youths from poor communities 1.5 Research Hypotheses The stated hypotheses have been formulated to further guide the study H01: The extent high cost of nomination form leads to political exclusion of youths from low income background is low. H02: The extent high cost of nomination form deter youths from running for elected offices is low H03: The extent high cost nomination form increased power imbalance among youths from poor communities is low 1.6 Significance of the study The study will be significant to political parties as it will reveal the extent at which high nomination cost have elude Nigeria of quality people that will be able to steer the leadership of the country because of the money. Therefore, the study will make recommendation as to how these high nomination cost can be averted. The study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature. 1.7 Definition of Key Terms Nomination Form: A nomination form is an official document required to declare an individual's candidacy for an elective position. It includes essential information about the candidate and is submitted to the electoral body for validation and approval to contest in an election. 2. Political Participation: Political participation refers to the various activities through which individuals engage in the political process. These activities include voting, campaigning, attending political meetings, and running for office. Political participation is a crucial aspect of democratic governance, enabling citizens to influence government actions and policies. 3. Power Imbalance: Power imbalance refers to a situation where power and influence are unevenly distributed among different groups within a society. In the context of politics, it often manifests as a concentration of political power among a small, affluent segment of the population, while economically disadvantaged groups, such as youths from poor communities, have limited access to political influence and decision-making. 4. Youth: Youth typically refers to individuals between the ages of 18 and 35, according to many international definitions, including those by the United Nations. In the context of political participation, youths are considered a vital demographic whose engagement is crucial for the sustainability and dynamism of democratic processes. 5. Low-Income Background: A low-income background refers to individuals or families whose income is significantly lower than the median income in their society. This group often faces economic challenges that limit their access to various opportunities, including education, healthcare, and political participation.