The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced a reduction in nomination and expression of interest fees for women, youths, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) as part of efforts to promote inclusive political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said the initiative is aimed at addressing the growing influence of money politics and creating opportunities for groups often excluded from the political process due to the high cost of contesting elections.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC stressed that democracy should not be reserved for wealthy politicians alone.
According to him, many young Nigerians, women, and persons with disabilities possess the competence and leadership capacity needed to contribute meaningfully to national development but are frequently discouraged by financial and social barriers.
“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.
Under the new policy, women aspirants and youths between the ages of 18 and 35 will pay only 50 per cent of the approved fees for Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, while persons with disabilities will pay just 25 per cent of the official cost.
The party described the decision as a form of affirmative action intended to address longstanding political imbalances, particularly those affecting women’s participation in governance and elective positions.
According to the statement, women continue to face cultural and systemic challenges that limit their involvement in politics, making targeted support necessary to encourage broader participation.
The NDC further argued that excluding significant segments of the population from the democratic process weakens governance and national development, insisting that inclusive participation remains critical to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
The party added that nomination forms for Presidential, Governorship, and National Assembly positions would be available at its National Secretariat in Abuja, while forms for State House of Assembly elections would be obtainable through party offices across the states.
Political observers say the move is likely to reignite conversations on the rising cost of political participation in Nigeria and increasing calls for electoral reforms that make the democratic process more accessible to ordinary citizens.
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