In a significant move to promote inclusivity and broaden participation in the democratic process, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State has announced a substantial reduction in the cost of nomination forms for women and physically challenged aspirants vying for positions in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for December 13. This development, which reflects the party’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities, was revealed by Alhaji Bello Ayuba, the APC state Chairman, during a press conference held in Maiduguri on Friday.
According to Ayuba, the APC has slashed the fees for nomination forms by 50 percent for women and physically challenged individuals, setting the cost at N250,000 for councillorship forms and N1 million for chairmanship forms. In contrast, the standard fees for these positions remain at N500,000 for councillorship and N2 million for chairmanship. This deliberate reduction is designed to remove financial barriers that might otherwise discourage capable women and persons with disabilities from participating in the electoral process, thereby ensuring a more diverse and representative pool of candidates.
The decision to lower the fees was not made in isolation. Ayuba disclosed that the party arrived at this policy after extensive consultations with APC members and leaders in other states, including Katsina and Lagos. These discussions underscored the need to create a level playing field for all aspirants, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to enhance their involvement in the political landscape of Borno State. By implementing this fee reduction, the APC aims to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that women and physically challenged individuals have a fair shot at contesting and contributing to governance at the local level.
Ayuba emphasized that the APC is dedicated to upholding democratic principles throughout the electoral process. He assured party members and the public that the primaries would be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, with all aspirants given an equal opportunity to compete. “Whosoever is willing to contest for chairmanship or councillorship, as long as they are members of the party, the door is open to all,” Ayuba declared, reinforcing the party’s open-door policy. This commitment to fairness is intended to build trust among aspirants and party supporters, ensuring that the selection process reflects the will of the party’s grassroots structures.
The APC has already completed the initial stage of distributing nomination forms and is preparing to move forward with the screening of aspirants. This screening process will cover candidates vying for the 27 local government chairmanship positions and the 320 ward councillorships across Borno State. Ayuba noted that even in cases where a single aspirant emerges for a particular local government or ward, the party will conduct affirmation exercises to ensure that the candidate enjoys broad acceptance within the party’s structures. This step is critical to maintaining transparency and legitimacy in the selection process, as it ensures that candidates are not only eligible but also supported by the party’s rank and file.
Following the screening and affirmation exercises, the APC will compile and submit a list of approved candidates to the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BORSEC). This submission will enable the candidates to obtain the necessary forms and begin preparations for the main elections. To further ensure adherence to party guidelines and maintain transparency, the APC plans to establish larger committees at various levels across all Local Government Areas in the state. These committees will oversee the electoral process, monitor compliance with established rules, and address any issues that may arise during the primaries and the subsequent elections.
Ayuba also took the opportunity to call on party members to remain peaceful and cooperative throughout the electoral process. He stressed that the APC is determined to uphold democratic principles and deliver credible elections that reflect the aspirations of the people of Borno State. By fostering a peaceful and orderly process, the party hopes to set a positive example for political engagement and demonstrate its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions at the local level.
This initiative by the APC in Borno State marks a significant step toward promoting inclusivity and diversity in local governance. By reducing financial barriers for women and physically challenged aspirants, the party is taking concrete action to ensure that underrepresented groups have a voice in the political process. The move has been widely praised as a progressive step, with many observers noting that it could serve as a model for other states and political parties across Nigeria. As the December 13 elections approach, all eyes will be on Borno State to see how this policy translates into greater participation and representation in the local government councils.
The APC’s efforts in Borno also reflect a broader commitment to addressing longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s political system, where financial constraints and systemic barriers have often limited the participation of certain groups. By prioritizing inclusivity, the party is not only enhancing its own credibility but also contributing to the broader goal of building a more equitable and representative democracy. As the screening process begins and the primaries draw closer, the APC’s leadership in Borno will be closely watched to ensure that the promises of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity are fulfilled, setting the stage for a successful and credible electoral process.
