National publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Felix Morka, says anyone who does not have the “sufficient base” to raise N100 million has no business contesting for the presidency. 

Mr Morka said this on Monday while answering questions during an interview programme on Silverbird Television.

He was reacting to the barrage of criticism that has continued to trail APC’s decision to fix N100 million for its nomination and expression of interest forms for persons interested in contesting the presidency on the party’s platform.

Speaking on the form fees, Mr Morka said although the price appears high when one considers the Nigerian setting, presidential hopefuls should have the necessary support to raise such an amount.

“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 ahead, Mr 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?”

Speaking on the development, Mr Morka said some people are trying to “cloud” the achievements of the current government, stressing that the Buhari regime has done “extremely well” in the areas of the economy, security and the fight against corruption. 

“On this issue of national security, we have challenges no doubt, but the government is doing everything that is possible within the availability of our resources to deal with these problems,” the spokesman added.