The Nigeria Democratic Party, NDP, has lowered the cost of its nomination forms ahead of the 2027 elections. The goal is to get more women, young people, and persons living with disabilities into the race.
The party says it’s going after Nigeria’s “money talks” style of politics. By slashing fees, NDP wants to open the door for people who usually get priced out of contesting elections.
National Chairman Hon. Ada Fredrick Okwori put it plainly: democracy shouldn’t be a rich man’s game.
“Being young, not having millions, or living with a disability shouldn’t stop anyone from serving their country,” Okwori said.
NDP argues that a lot of young Nigerians, women, and people with disabilities have what it takes to lead, but they often back out because the costs are too high or the system makes it hard.
Under the new plan:
– *Women and youths aged 18-35* will pay 50% of the normal fee for both Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms
– *Persons Living with Disabilities* will pay 25% of the advertised cost
The party calls it affirmative action to fix a long-standing imbalance, especially for women. NDP says women still face cultural and systemic barriers that keep them out of elective politics.
“Women have been getting the short end of the stick in our democracy,” the statement reads. “They need a push to get in the game and contest.”
NDP also warned that Nigeria can’t keep sidelining nearly half its population. A more inclusive political space, it says, will lead to better governance and stronger national development.
