Ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, human rights lawyer Ejime Okolie has taken a significant legal step by suing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and 19 political parties over what he describes as exorbitant expression of interest and nomination fees. This lawsuit, filed in the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to address concerns that these high fees are a barrier to potential candidates, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. By pursuing this case, Okolie is advocating not only for his own rights but also for the rights of millions of Nigerians who wish to engage in the electoral process but may be deterred by financial constraints.

In his application, Okolie appeals to Judge Binta Nyako to establish clear guidelines regulating the maximum allowed fees for nominations and expressions of interest. He argues that the current fees set by political parties and INEC are disproportionately high and could effectively exclude capable candidates from participating in the elections. This legal action underscores the ongoing issues of accessibility and fairness within Nigeria's electoral framework, highlighting a critical conversation about the integrity of the electoral process in the country.

Okolie's lawsuit raises important questions about the balance between party autonomy in determining candidacy costs and the democratic principle of inclusivity in elections. If the court rules in his favor, it could set a precedent for future electoral processes, potentially leading to reforms aimed at making participation more accessible. The outcome of this case could therefore have far-reaching implications for Nigeria's political landscape and the participation of citizens in democracy, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.