The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced a major reduction in the cost of its nomination forms as part of efforts to encourage wider political participation among women, young people, and persons living with disabilities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said the move is aimed at confronting Nigeria’s long-standing culture of money-driven politics by making the electoral process more accessible to groups often shut out by the high financial demands of contesting for public office.
In a statement released on Thursday, the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, said the decision reflects the party’s commitment to ensuring that democratic participation is not reserved solely for wealthy political actors.
“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,” he stated.
According to the party, many Nigerians within these demographic groups possess the competence and leadership qualities required for governance but are often discouraged by both financial limitations and systemic barriers.
Under the new arrangement, female aspirants and youths between the ages of 18 and 35 will pay only 50 percent of the official fees for both Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
For persons living with disabilities, the party approved an even steeper reduction, allowing them to pay just 25 percent of the stipulated cost.
The NDC described the policy as a deliberate affirmative action strategy intended to address the historical imbalance that has limited female political participation in the country.
The party noted that women have continued to face social, cultural, and structural challenges that have significantly reduced their representation in governance and elective offices.
“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 further argued that Nigeria cannot continue to exclude a significant portion of its population from active democratic engagement if it hopes to build stronger institutions and achieve sustainable national development.
It explained that nomination forms for Presidential, Governorship, and National Assembly positions will be obtainable at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, while aspirants seeking State House of Assembly seats can access forms through designated state offices.
Political observers believe the development could intensify conversations around electoral reforms and place pressure on other political parties to review the high cost of political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
What You Should Know
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has introduced discounted nomination fees as part of efforts to make the 2027 elections more inclusive.
Women and youths aged 18 to 35 will pay half of the normal nomination fees, while persons living with disabilities will pay just 25 percent. The party says the policy is designed to reduce financial barriers that often prevent capable Nigerians from contesting elections.
It also aims to challenge the dominance of money politics and encourage broader participation across key demographics.
The move is expected to spark wider debate about electoral accessibility and may pressure other parties to adopt similar reforms.
