All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State has reduced nomination form fees for women and persons with disabilities ahead of the December 13 local government elections.
Announcing the move at a press conference in Maiduguri on Friday, APC State Chairman Alhaji Bello Ayuba said the party had set councillorship forms for women and physically challenged aspirants at N250,000 and chairmanship forms at N1 million, representing a 50 per cent reduction from standard fees. Standard fees remain N500,000 for councillorship and N2 million for chairmanship.
Ayuba explained that the adjustment followed consultations with party members in Katsina and Lagos states and is intended to promote inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for women and persons with disabilities.
He reassured that the party remains committed to free, fair, and transparent primaries, giving all aspirants an equal chance to contest. “Whosoever is willing to contest for chairmanship or councilorship, as long as they are members of the party, the door is open to all,” Ayuba stated.
The APC has completed the form collection stage and will soon begin screening aspirants for the 27 local government chairmanships and 320 ward councilorships. Even in cases with only one aspirant, affirmation exercises will be conducted to ensure acceptance by party structures.
Following screening and affirmation, the party will forward the approved candidates’ list to the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BORSEC) to facilitate preparations for the elections. Larger committees will also be constituted across all Local Government Areas to ensure transparency and adherence to party guidelines.
Ayuba urged party members to maintain peace during the electoral process, stressing APC’s commitment to democratic principles and credible elections across Borno State.
