In a bid to promote inclusivity and broaden participation in grassroots politics, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State has announced a significant reduction in nomination form fees for women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) ahead of the December 13 local government elections.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Maiduguri on Friday, the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Bello Ayuba, revealed that the party had slashed the cost of councillorship nomination forms for women and PWDs to ₦250,000, and chairmanship forms to ₦1 million—a 50 percent discount from the regular rates of ₦500,000 and ₦2 million, respectively.
According to Ayuba, this decision follows consultations with party stakeholders in Lagos and Katsina states, and is part of a deliberate move to encourage greater participation from marginalized groups in the democratic process.
> “We want to ensure that everyone, especially women and people with disabilities, has a fair shot at contesting,” Ayuba stated.
“As long as you’re a member of the party and you’re willing to serve, the door is wide open.”
Ayuba reiterated the party’s dedication to conducting free, fair, and transparent primaries, emphasizing that all aspirants would be given equal opportunities regardless of status or background.
He also disclosed that the sale of nomination forms had concluded and that the next phase—screening of aspirants for the 27 chairmanship and 320 ward councillorship positions—would commence soon.
Even in instances where only one person emerges as an aspirant in a ward or local government area, Ayuba assured that affirmation exercises would still be carried out to maintain internal party democracy and validate the candidacy through party structures.
He further noted that following the screening and affirmation stages, a finalized list of candidates would be submitted to the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BORSEC) for the issuance of election forms and formal preparations for the polls.
To enhance credibility and accountability, Ayuba revealed that expanded committees will be formed across all LGAs to monitor the process and enforce party guidelines.
He concluded with a call for peace and cooperation among party faithful, emphasizing the APC’s commitment to credible, transparent, and democratic elections.
> “We’re determined to uphold democratic values and deliver a process everyone can trust,” he added.
NAN
