The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State has announced a 50 per cent reduction in the cost of its nomination forms for women and persons with disabilities ahead of the December 13 local government elections in the state.
The decision, according to the party, is aimed at promoting inclusivity and equal participation in the upcoming polls.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday in Maiduguri, the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Bello Ayuba, said the reduction was approved after consultations with party stakeholders in Katsina and Lagos States.
He explained that while the standard fees remain ₦500,000 for councillorship aspirants and ₦2 million for chairmanship aspirants, women and persons with disabilities will now pay ₦250,000 and ₦1 million respectively.
“The party has fixed councillorship forms for women and physically challenged aspirants at ₦250,000 and chairmanship forms at ₦1 million, representing a 50 per cent reduction from the standard fees,” Ayuba stated.
The APC chairman said the fee adjustment reflected the party’s commitment to inclusive politics, adding that the move was intended to give women and persons with disabilities a fair chance to contest elective positions.
“This is part of our effort to encourage inclusivity and ensure that no member of the party is left out of the democratic process due to financial limitations,” he said.
Ayuba reaffirmed that the party’s primary elections would be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, assuring all aspirants of equal opportunity.
“Whosoever is willing to contest for chairmanship or councillorship, as long as they are members of the party, the door is open to all,” he declared.
Ayuba disclosed that the APC had concluded the form purchase process and would soon commence the screening of aspirants for the 27 local government chairmanship seats and 320 ward councillorship positions.
He said that even in local governments or wards where there is only one aspirant, affirmation exercises would still be conducted to ensure their acceptance by party members.
“Following screening and affirmation, the party will forward the list of approved candidates to the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BORSEC) to enable them secure forms and prepare for the main elections,” he explained.
The chairman added that larger committees would be constituted at various levels across all local government areas to guarantee transparency and strict adherence to party guidelines.
Ayuba appealed to all APC members and supporters to maintain peace and discipline throughout the electoral process.
He reiterated that the party was determined to uphold democratic principles and deliver credible, transparent elections across Borno State.
“We call on our members to remain peaceful and law-abiding. The APC is committed to ensuring internal democracy and the emergence of credible candidates who will represent the people effectively,” Ayuba said.
Naijaonpoint reports that the upcoming local government elections are expected to be a major test of the APC’s grassroots strength in Borno State, with observers commending the party’s decision to make political participation more accessible for women and persons with disabilities.
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