The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced significant reductions in the cost of its 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 initiative is aimed at promoting inclusiveness and encouraging wider participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, the NDC stated that it remains committed to removing barriers that have historically limited the participation of certain groups in politics and governance.
According to Enekweizu, financial limitations and physical challenges should not prevent young people and persons living with disabilities from contributing 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 emphasized the need for increased female participation in politics, noting that cultural and societal constraints have continued to place women at a disadvantage in the democratic space.
“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 read.
The NDC further stated that excluding women from governance and leadership would amount to short-changing the country, considering that women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population.
Under the new policy, all female aspirants contesting on the platform of the party will pay only 50 per cent of the approved fees for both Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
Similarly, aspirants between the ages of 18 and 35 will also enjoy a 50 per cent discount, while persons living with disabilities will pay only 25 per cent of the official fees.
The party added that presidential, governorship, and National Assembly forms would be available at its National Secretariat in Abuja, while forms for State Houses of Assembly elections would be obtainable at NDC state offices nationwide.
The development comes amid increasing calls for greater inclusion of women, youths, and vulnerable groups in Nigeria’s political leadership ahead of the 2027 polls.