By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced major discounts on nomination and expression of interest forms for women, youths, and persons living with disabilities (PWDs), as part of efforts to encourage broader participation in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on behalf of the party, the National Secretary of the NDC, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, said the initiative reflects the party’s commitment to inclusive democracy and equal political opportunities for all Nigerians.
Enekweizu stated that financial limitations and social disadvantages should not prevent capable Nigerians from contributing to governance and nation-building.
“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.
He explained that the policy was designed to ensure that no Nigerian, whether residing in the country or in the diaspora, was excluded from the democratic process.
According to the statement, all female aspirants seeking elective offices on the platform of the NDC will pay only 50 per cent of the approved fees for nomination and expression of interest forms. The same discount will apply to aspirants between the ages of 18 and 35.
The party also announced a more significant concession for persons living with disabilities, who will pay only 25 per cent of the advertised fees for the forms.
The NDC noted that women had continued to face cultural and structural barriers in politics, making affirmative action necessary to improve their representation in leadership positions.
“Women have historically received the short end of the democracy stick due to cultural and other barriers, and they need affirmative action to give them the necessary push to participate and contest,” Enekweizu said.
He added: “Nigeria would be short-changing itself if it unwittingly shuts out about 50 per cent of its population, as represented by women, from the democratic process.”
The statement further clarified that nomination forms for presidential, governorship, and National Assembly positions would be available at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, while forms for state House of Assembly positions would be obtained from respective NDC state offices nationwide.
