By NAOMI SHARANG

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced special discounts on its nomination and expression of interest forms for women, youths and persons living with disabilities (PWDs), ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said the move was part of its commitment to ensuring inclusiveness and broader participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Mr Ikenna Enekweizu, the NDC said it remained committed to creating opportunities for groups that have traditionally faced barriers in politics and governance.

According to Enekweizu, young people and persons living with disabilities should not be excluded from contributing to nation-building because of financial limitations or physical challenges.

“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 said.

The party also stressed the need for greater participation of women in politics, noting that cultural and societal limitations had continued to hinder many women from fully engaging in the democratic process.

“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 NDC noted that Nigeria would be short-changing itself if women, who make up nearly half of the country’s population, were excluded from active participation in governance and leadership.

As part of the new measures, all female aspirants on the platform of the party are to pay 50 per cent of the approved fees for both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

Similarly, aspirants between the ages of 18 and 35 will also enjoy a 50 per cent discount on the forms, while persons living with disabilities are to pay only 25 per cent of the advertised fees.

The party further clarified that Presidential, Governorship and National Assembly forms would be obtained at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, while forms for State Houses of Assembly elections would be available at NDC state offices across the country.(NAN)

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