By Justina Auta
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and other stakeholders are set to analyse the Cost of Politics and Political Inclusion Report.
The report aims to propose policy and institutional reforms that will promote political inclusivity and affordability in Nigeria.
Sola Folayan, WFD Programme Manager, said this on Friday in Abuja ahead of a high-level roundtable focused on addressing the prohibitive cost of politics in Nigeria and its impact on inclusive political participation.
Folayan noted that the rising cost of engaging in politics had prompted WFD to commission the study, which sought to foster dialogue and provide actionable recommendations for reducing the financial barriers to political participation.
“Nigeria’s political landscape is increasingly characterised by exorbitant financial demands, which create substantial barriers to genuine democratic participation.
“This troubling trend marginalises key demographics such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, and candidates with limited economic means.
“Such an environment not only undermines democratic equity and accountability but also poses long-term risks to the nation’s democratic sustainability and effective governance,” she said.
She added that through stakeholder engagement and the promotion of evidence-based reforms, Nigeria could achieve meaningful progress in democratic governance and more inclusive political representation. (NAN)
