ABUJA, NIGERIA — The African Democratic Congress has announced a major reduction in nomination and expression of interest form fees for women and persons with disabilities ahead of future elections.
The development was disclosed by the party’s National Woman Leader, Hon. Naomi Lasara Abel, who described the initiative as part of efforts to remove financial barriers preventing greater participation of women and vulnerable groups in politics.
Under the new policy, female aspirants and persons living with disabilities will pay only 25 percent of the original cost of nomination forms for all elective positions within the party.
Party officials said the decision reflects the ADC’s commitment to inclusive governance, gender equality, and broader democratic participation.
According to the revised structure, presidential nomination forms for eligible women and persons with disabilities have been reduced to N22.5 million.
Senate aspirants within the category will now pay N2.5 million, while House of Representatives forms have been reduced to N1.25 million.
House of Assembly aspirants will pay N250,000 under the new arrangement.
The party leadership explained that the policy is aimed at encouraging more women and persons with disabilities to actively seek elective offices without being discouraged by high financial costs.
Hon. Naomi Lasara Abel said the ADC believes leadership opportunities should be based on competence, vision, and service rather than financial strength alone.
She also assured female aspirants who had already purchased forms before the reduction that arrangements are being made to refund the excess payments.
According to her, the refund process is intended to ensure fairness and equal treatment for all affected aspirants.
The National Woman Leader praised the party’s National Working Committee for approving what she described as a bold and progressive political decision.
She noted that the move demonstrates the ADC’s commitment to promoting equity and strengthening the participation of underrepresented groups in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Political analysts say the announcement could increase interest among women and younger politicians seeking alternative political platforms ahead of future elections.
Nigeria has continued to face criticism over low female representation in elective offices compared to several other African countries.
Advocacy groups have repeatedly called on political parties to reduce nomination costs and create policies that encourage greater inclusion of women and marginalised groups.
Observers believe the ADC’s latest decision could place pressure on other political parties to adopt similar reforms aimed at improving participation.
Supporters of the initiative argue that reducing financial barriers may help attract more qualified candidates into politics.
The party urged women across the country to take advantage of the opportunity and participate more actively in leadership and governance.
Attention now turns to whether other major political parties will introduce similar concessions as conversations around political inclusion continue nationwide.
