The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced special discounts on nomination and expression of interest forms for women, youths, and persons living with disabilities as part of efforts to encourage broader participation in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the party said the initiative reflects its commitment to inclusiveness and equal political opportunities for all Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora.
According to Enekweizu, economic limitations, age, gender barriers, and physical disabilities should not prevent citizens from contributing to nation-building through active political participation, reports The Guardian.
“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,” the statement read.
The NDC also argued that women have historically faced cultural and structural barriers that limited their participation in politics and governance.
“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,” Enekweizu stated.
The party maintained that Nigeria risks undermining its democratic growth if women, who make up nearly half of the population, remain underrepresented in leadership and elective positions.
As part of the new measures, the NDC announced that all female aspirants on its platform will pay only 50 percent of the official cost for both Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
Similarly, aspirants between the ages of 18 and 35 will also enjoy a 50 percent reduction in fees, while Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) will pay only 25 percent of the advertised costs.
The statement further clarified that Presidential, Governorship, and National Assembly nomination forms would be obtained at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, while forms for State House of Assembly positions would be available at the party’s state offices nationwide.
The move comes amid increasing calls for greater youth inclusion, gender balance, and accessibility in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
