NDC Promises Inclusive Participation For Women, Youths, PWDs In 2027 Elections

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that women, youths and persons living with disabilities, PWDs, are fully integrated into the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said the move aligns with its promise to carry all Nigerians, both at home and in the Diaspora, along in the democratic process.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC said no Nigerian should be excluded from contributing to nation-building because of age, financial status 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,” the statement read.

According to Enekweizu, women have continued to face cultural and social barriers that limit their participation in politics, making affirmative action necessary.

“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,” he stated.

He added that the NDC believes Nigeria would be short-changing itself by excluding women, who make up nearly half of the country’s population, from active participation in governance.

The party announced that all female aspirants on its platform would pay 50 per cent of the official fees for Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

Similarly, aspirants between the ages of 18 and 35 are to enjoy a 50 per cent reduction in form fees, while persons living with disabilities will pay only 25 per cent of the advertised costs.

The statement also clarified that presidential, governorship and National Assembly nomination forms would be obtained at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, while forms for State House of Assembly positions would be collected at state party offices.