As Nigeria’s 2023 general elections approach, political parties have admitted to struggling to source cash for the payment of party agents and other mobilisation logistics due to the ongoing naira crisis. Officials of major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), have complained about the impact of the new naira policy on their campaigns.
The Director of Strategic Communications for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Idris Mohammed, stated that no party can boast bulk cash to pay its supporters for mobilisation and other logistics. He added that the government’s cashless policy has affected everyone, including political parties, and they have no option but to comply.
Similarly, the Chief Spokesman for the NNPP Presidential Campaign Council, Ladipo Johnson, admitted to the APC’s stand, saying that the cash crunch affects political parties and the general public. Johnson noted that politicians seem to be the worse hit by the cash crisis, and the long-term benefits of the policy cannot be ignored.
National Chairman of APGA, Victor Oye, said the cash crisis had made it difficult for his party to take care of “some basic things.” He emphasised the need for political parties to abide by the government’s cashless policy to ensure a transparent election.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, blamed the APC for the cash crunch and stated that implementing policies has always been a problem for the ruling party. He urged Nigerians to keep their faith despite the difficulties brought upon the country by the APC.
In conclusion, political parties in Nigeria are grappling with the effects of the naira crisis on their mobilisation efforts for the upcoming general elections. Despite the challenges, they are committed to adhering to the government’s cashless policy to ensure a transparent election.
