NDC Cuts Nomination Fees to Increase Participation of Women, Youths, and Persons with Disabilities

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA – The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reduced its nomination fees to increase participation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The party says the move targets Nigeria’s money‑driven political culture, aiming to open the electoral arena to groups that are usually sidelined by the high costs of running for office.

In a statement released yesterday, NDC National Secretary Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu emphasized that democracy should not be limited to affluent politicians.

“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 said.

The party highlighted that many young Nigerians, women, and people with disabilities have leadership potential yet are often deterred by financial obstacles and social constraints.

Under the scheme, female candidates and youths aged 18 to 35 will pay 50 % of the standard fees for Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, whereas persons with disabilities will pay only 25 % of the listed amounts.

The NDC described the policy as affirmative action intended to address long‑standing political imbalances, particularly those affecting women.

The statement noted that women still encounter cultural and systemic barriers that restrict their involvement in governance and elections.

“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,” the statement added.

The party also argued that excluding almost half the population from democratic participation is untenable, asserting that wider inclusion would enhance governance and national development.

The NDC clarified that forms for presidential, governorship, and National Assembly contests will be issued at its National Secretariat in Abuja, while State House of Assembly forms will be distributed through state party offices.

The change is expected to fuel broader discussions about the escalating cost of political participation in Nigeria and the growing demand for reforms that make elections more accessible to ordinary citizens.

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