All Progressives Congress has faulted those questioning the rationale behind pegging the party’s nomination form fee for presidential aspirants at N100 million.
The party has come under fire as deluge of criticism greeted the outrageous fee, with many saying the nomination form fee is a testament to how things have aggravated under the current administration.
Speaking on Monday during an interview programme on Silverbird Television, National publicity secretary, Felix Morka, said any politician who’s worth his weight should be able to raise N100 million without hassle.
He noted that anyone who doesn’t have “sufficient base” to raise N100 million has no business contesting for the presidency.
Morka, while admitting that the price is high, said presidential hopefuls should have the necessary support to raise such an amount.
He cited the United States’ expensive electioneering process and the hurdles presidential hopefuls in the country have to cross to actualise their goal.
“I hate to use the US as an example. The ability to raise funds is a clear criterion whether or not you are eligible to participate at the primaries and the debate especially.
“You aspire to run for the highest office in the land, you should have some appeal, some reach to members of the party. Sell your ideas, sell your vision.
“Forty-five million people giving you N1, do the math and see what it comes to. That is a lot of money. We do have that possibility,” he said.
Speaking further Morka said, “for those who have the money already, they are quite welcome to use their own funds. The party has commitments and we do not have any statutory funding as you know.
“Within the context of Nigeria, N100 million is a lot of money. Those who seek the office around the country are expected to have a sufficient base, otherwise why would you aspire to be president, if you are that obscure or unsupportable by your party members and the electorate?”
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