The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced major reductions in nomination and expression of interest fees for women, youths, and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), in what many are describing as a bold and strategic move to deepen inclusive democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement, which has already sparked conversations within political and civil society circles, underscores the party’s commitment to dismantling financial and structural barriers that have long prevented many Nigerians from participating actively in the nation’s political process.
In a statement signed by the National Secretary of the party, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC reaffirmed its determination to ensure that women, young people, and Persons Living with Disabilities are not only integrated into the democratic process but are also encouraged to contest for elective offices across the country.
According to the statement, the initiative is in line with one of the party’s core promises of carrying every Nigerian along, including citizens living in the Diaspora, irrespective of economic status, gender, age, or physical condition.
“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,” Enekweizu stated.
In a move widely seen as groundbreaking, the party announced that all female aspirants on the platform of the NDC will pay only 50 percent of the official cost of both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms currently on sale.
Similarly, youths between the ages of 18 and 35 are also entitled to a 50 percent discount on all nomination fees, while Persons Living with Disabilities will enjoy an even more significant concession, paying just 25 percent of the advertised fees.
The NDC leadership maintained that the high cost of political participation in Nigeria has continued to shut out competent and visionary Nigerians who lack financial strength but possess the capacity to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.
The statement further highlighted the historical marginalization of women in Nigerian politics, noting that cultural and societal barriers have consistently limited their opportunities and representation in leadership.
“Women, due to cultural and other inhibitions, have largely been 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.
Enekweizu stressed that excluding women from politics would amount to denying nearly half of Nigeria’s population the opportunity to contribute to governance and policy formulation, a situation he described as detrimental to national growth and democratic advancement.
Political analysts have described the development as one of the strongest affirmative action policies introduced by any political party in recent years. Many believe the move could trigger a wave of reforms within Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as calls for inclusion, equity, and representation continue to grow ahead of the 2027 elections.
Stakeholders in the disability community and youth advocacy groups have also applauded the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of inclusive governance rather than mere political promises.
For many young Nigerians and Persons With Disabilities who have long complained about the commercialization of politics, the reduction in fees represents a rare opportunity to participate directly in leadership and decision-making processes without being completely overwhelmed by financial demands.
The party also clarified the modalities for obtaining the forms. According to the statement, Presidential, Governorship, and National Assembly forms will be obtained at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, while forms for State House of Assembly positions will be collected at various state offices of the party nationwide.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum, the NDC’s latest decision has positioned the party as one of the emerging political platforms championing youth inclusion, women empowerment, disability rights, and broader democratic participation in Nigeria.
Observers say the move may not only strengthen the party’s public image but could also inspire other political parties to adopt similar inclusive policies capable of opening the political space to groups that have historically been sidelined in Nigeria’s democracy.
