Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced sweeping discounts on nomination and expression of interest forms for women, youths and persons with disabilities (PWDs) as part of efforts to boost the representation of underrepresented groups in elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said the initiative is designed to dismantle financial barriers that have long prevented many qualified Nigerians, especially women and persons living with disabilities, from participating fully in the country’s democratic process.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC said all female aspirants will pay only 50 per cent of the advertised cost of both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
The statement added that aspirants aged between 18 and 35 years will also enjoy a 50 per cent reduction in form fees, while persons living with disabilities will pay just 25 per cent of the advertised amount.
Enekweizu said the decision underscores the party’s belief that political participation should not be reserved for the wealthy or physically advantaged.
“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 NDC National Secretary noted that women have historically faced cultural and societal constraints that have limited their involvement in politics and governance.
“Women, due to cultural and other inhibitions, have largely received 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,” Enekweizu stated.
He stressed that Nigeria would be denying itself the benefits of inclusive leadership if nearly half of its population, represented by women, remains excluded from decision-making.
The party said the discounted fees are part of its broader commitment to building a political platform that carries every Nigerian along, including citizens in the diaspora.
According to the statement, nomination forms for presidential, governorship and National Assembly positions are available at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, while forms for State Houses of Assembly can be obtained from NDC state offices across the country.
The NDC expressed confidence that the initiative would encourage more women, young people and persons with disabilities to seek elective office and help shape a more representative and inclusive democracy in Nigeria.
