Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticised Nigeria’s electoral system, warning that the high cost of contesting presidential elections is shutting out ordinary citizens.
Speaking during a recent public commentary on electoral reforms, Falana described the financial requirements placed on aspirants as excessive and unfair. According to him, the system makes it difficult for average Nigerians to participate in the country’s democratic process.
He explained that democracy is meant to give everyone a fair chance to lead, but the current structure appears to favour only the wealthy. This, he said, discourages professionals, young leaders, and other capable individuals from aspiring to the nation’s highest office.
Falana pointed out that the huge financial demands attached to running for president create a system where only billionaires can realistically compete, leaving out a large percentage of the population.
His recent remarks also echo concerns he raised ahead of the 2023 elections, when he criticised the ₦100 million presidential nomination forms sold by major political parties. At the time, he described the fees as unfair and discriminatory against ordinary Nigerians.
Although there has been no official response from the electoral body, Falana insists that reducing the cost of contesting elections is necessary to promote fairness, increase participation, and strengthen democracy in Nigeria.
“If you look at that law, it’s saying if you want to contest for the Presidency of Nigeria, you must have 10 billion naira or I think 5 billion naira. That already excludes professors, workers, lawyers and majority of Nigerians who are not billionaires…”
– Femi Falana (SAN) pic.twitter.com/zlSAqgA0BM
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) March 26, 2026
