NDC Slashes Nomination Fees for Women, Youths, PWDs Ahead 2027 Polls

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced sweeping discounts on nomination and expression of interest forms for women, youths and persons living with disabilities (PWDs) as part of its drive to widen political inclusion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said the decision is anchored on its commitment to ensuring that historically underrepresented groups are not excluded from the democratic process, describing the initiative as a practical step toward inclusive governance.

In a statement signed on Friday by the National Secretary of the party, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC said the policy reflects its resolve to ensure that financial constraints and social barriers do not prevent capable Nigerians from seeking elective office.

“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,” Enekweizu stated.

He added that women have also continued to face structural and cultural limitations that hinder their participation in politics, insisting that affirmative action remains necessary to correct the imbalance.

“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,” he said.

According to him, the party believes Nigeria risks undermining its democratic strength if a large segment of its population—particularly women—is excluded from active political participation.

He further explained that under the new policy, all women aspirants on the platform of the NDC will pay 50 per cent of the advertised cost of both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

Similarly, youths between the ages of 18 and 35 years are to pay 50 per cent of the stipulated fees, while Persons Living with Disabilities will enjoy a 75 per cent reduction, paying only 25 per cent of the advertised charges.

Party officials said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to encourage political participation among marginalized groups and expand the pool of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The statement also clarified procedures for obtaining nomination materials, noting that presidential, governorship and National Assembly forms are to be collected at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, while aspirants for state assemblies are to obtain theirs from respective state offices.

The NDC said the reforms are intended to strengthen internal democracy and position the party as a platform that reflects Nigeria’s demographic diversity in elective representation.