The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has announced major concessions on its nomination and expression of interest forms for women, youths and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), as part of efforts to deepen inclusion and widen participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This is contained in a statement signed by the National Secretary of the party, Mr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu in Abuja.
The statement says the initiative reflects the party’s commitment to giving every Nigerian, including those in the Diaspora, equal opportunities to participate in the democratic process and seek elective office.
According to the statement, all female aspirants contesting on the platform of the NDC will pay only 50 per cent of the official fees for both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms currently on sale.
It also approves a 50 per cent discount for youths between the ages of 18 and 35, while Persons Living with Disabilities are to pay only 25 per cent of the stipulated fees.
It stresses that the decision was informed by the need to remove financial and structural barriers that often discourage capable Nigerians from participating in politics.
“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 out from contributing their quota to nation-building,” he states.
The statement adds that women have continued to face cultural and systemic challenges that limit their participation in politics, stressing that affirmative measures are necessary to encourage greater representation.
According to him, Nigeria risks undermining its democratic growth if women, who make up nearly half of the population, are excluded from governance and political leadership.
According to the statement the party further clarifies that Presidential, Governorship and National Assembly nomination forms would be obtained at the NDC National Secretariat in Abuja, while forms for State House of Assembly positions would be available at the party’s respective state offices nationwide.
