The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a significant reduction in nomination fees for female and physically challenged aspirants seeking party tickets for upcoming elections.
This move aims to enhance inclusivity and encourage greater participation of underrepresented groups in the political process.
Fee Structure and Discounts
In line with previous initiatives, the APC has introduced a 50% discount on nomination fees for women and persons with disabilities.
For instance, during the 2025 bye-elections, the party set the total cost of forms for Senate aspirants at ₦20 million, with a breakdown of ₦3 million for the Expression of Interest Form and ₦17 million for the Nomination Form.
Women and persons living with disabilities were only required to purchase the Expression of Interest Form, receiving the Nomination Form free of charge.
Previous Initiatives and Consistency
This latest reduction aligns with the APC’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity within the party.
In 2025, for the Ekiti State governorship election, the APC set the nomination form at ₦40 million, with the Expression of Interest Form priced at ₦10 million.
Female aspirants and persons with disabilities were exempted from paying for the nomination form and were only required to purchase the Expression of Interest Form.
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Similarly, during the Anambra State governorship election in 2025, the APC pegged the nomination and Expression of Interest forms at ₦50 million.
Female aspirants and persons living with disabilities were only required to purchase the Expression of Interest Form for ₦10 million, with the Nomination Form provided free of charge.
Implications for Political Participation
By reducing financial barriers, the APC aims to empower more women and individuals with disabilities to vie for political offices, thereby fostering a more inclusive and representative political landscape.
This initiative is expected to encourage a diverse range of candidates to participate in the electoral process, contributing to a more equitable democratic system.
