The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced major reductions in the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for women, youths and persons living with disabilities (PWDs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said the decision was aimed at promoting inclusiveness and encouraging wider participation in the nation’s democratic and governance processes.
In a statement issued on Friday by the National Secretary of the party, Mr Ikenna Enekweizu, the NDC said the initiative reflected its commitment to removing barriers that often prevent underrepresented groups from seeking political offices.
According to Enekweizu, financial difficulties and physical limitations should not stop young people and persons living with disabilities from contributing meaningfully to national development.
“The fact that someone is young and may not be a money bag or is disadvantaged by some physical disabilities should not shut him or her from contributing their quota to nation-building,” he said.
The party also emphasised the importance of increasing women’s participation in politics, noting that many women had continued to face cultural and social obstacles that limited their involvement in governance and leadership.
“Women, due to cultural and other inhibitions, have also been largely receiving the short end of the democracy stick.
“They, therefore, need some form of affirmative action to give them the needed push to participate and contest,” the statement said.
The NDC maintained that excluding women from active political participation would amount to denying the country the contributions of nearly half of its population.
As part of the measures announced, all female aspirants contesting on the platform of the party will pay only 50 per cent of the approved fees for both nomination and expression of interest forms.
The party also granted a 50 per cent discount to youths between the ages of 18 and 35 seeking elective offices under its platform.
In addition, persons living with disabilities are expected to pay only 25 per cent of the officially approved fees for the forms.
The party further clarified that forms for Presidential, Governorship and National Assembly elections would be obtained from its National Secretariat in Abuja.
It added that aspirants for State Houses of Assembly seats could purchase their forms at NDC state offices nationwide.
