Ayoola, a Nigerian presidential hopeful for the 2023 elections, explains why he has not purchased the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential nomination form due to its prohibitive cost of N40 million, which exceeds his financial capacity. However, his inability to secure the form hasn’t deterred him from pursuing his presidential bid. Despite the financial setback, Ayoola remains committed to the race and has turned to the judiciary in a bid to challenge the high financial barriers that prevent average citizens from participating in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Throughout his journey, Ayoola has been transparent, sharing his struggles and actions with the public. In April 2022, he submitted a formal petition to PDP leaders, urging them to reconsider the financial requirements for aspirants, particularly presidential candidates. His petition raised concerns about the fairness of such a high nomination fee, which he deemed illegal and immoral. He argued that these financial conditions hindered the democratic process by preventing aspirants with limited financial means from participating. Despite his appeals and persistent follow-ups, Ayoola received no response from the party leadership.
Realizing that he wouldn’t be able to raise the N40 million required, Ayoola admitted that he does not have wealthy friends willing to invest such a large sum in the nomination process. Faced with the harsh reality of Nigeria’s political structure, which often favors those with significant financial resources, Ayoola remained determined to pursue his goal of positively impacting the governance of Nigeria.
In seeking an alternative route, Ayoola has found hope in the judiciary. With the help of his lawyer, Oluwadamilare Awokoya, he filed a case at the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on May 4, 2022, challenging the PDP’s financial requirements for nomination. While Ayoola could not disclose the full details of the lawsuit due to ongoing legal proceedings, he expressed optimism about the outcome. The court has scheduled May 12, 2022, as the first hearing date. This legal action signifies Ayoola’s resolve to fight for fairness and equal opportunities in Nigeria’s political sphere, regardless of the challenges he faces.
Ayoola also highlights the financial burden that accompanies his presidential aspiration and acknowledges the contributions of a few supporters. He singles out individuals like Mr. Aanu Olaitan, Mr. Anwar Kelvin Irawo, and Olofunmoye Temitope for their kind donations, expressing deep gratitude for their support. In a political landscape where many hold back, these individuals’ generosity has been a source of motivation for Ayoola.
As the PDP primaries approach, scheduled for May 28-29, 2022, Ayoola remains hopeful that party leaders will reconsider their stance and provide him with an opportunity to compete in the primaries. He recognizes that his journey has been far from conventional, but he remains undeterred. For him, the struggle is not just about securing a nomination but about fighting for justice and equity in Nigeria’s political system, ensuring that future generations won’t have to face the same obstacles.
Ayoola concludes by reiterating his commitment to the cause and the dream of creating a fair, just, and prosperous Nigeria. He views his current struggle as a necessary sacrifice, hoping that the efforts he makes today will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable political system in the future. His vision is for a Nigeria where leadership is determined by merit and integrity rather than financial clout. Through his fight, Ayoola aims to inspire others to stand up for what is right and work towards a better Nigeria for all.
