Dr Wakawa Musa, a senatorial aspirant in Borno, on Monday, appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission to waive nomination fees for youths vying for elective positions.
Musa made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri.
He said that the continuous payment of exorbitant fees charged by the commission could hinder the youth from participating in governance in line with the “Not Too Young to Run Bill’’ transmitted to state houses of assembly nationwide.
He said: “There is need to drop the fee, because you do not expect a youth running for a state house of assembly election to pay N500, 000.
“He has never worked as an employee before. So there is need for them to drop it.
“And if they cannot drop it there is need to make special provision for the youth so that INEC can say come and contest free if you are a youth and cannot afford the fees.
“INEC will now give the youth ticket as far as his party agrees with and allows it.”
Musa also advised the youth to shun money politics and unite toward forming a formidable political block to bring about the desired change in the country.
He said that money should not stop the youth from vying for elective offices as they were capable of contributing immensely to the political, social and economic development of the country.
Musa advised the youth to vote for credible candidates among them.
He said: “Money is not everything; your voter card is what matters. Use it wisely and bring the much desired change in the country.
“We must unite; we must use our talents and resources to create positive changes in the political process in the country.”