The Nigeria Democratic Congress has unveiled its timetable for the conduct of primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, announcing that presidential aspirants will pay a total of N60m for nomination and expression of interest forms.
National Chairman of the party, Moses Cleopas, disclosed the details in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, outlining key dates and guidelines for the party’s internal electoral process.
According to the schedule, the sale of forms will begin from May 13 and run through May 18, marking the first phase of preparations for aspirants seeking to contest under the party’s platform.
The party said screening of aspirants will precede the sale of nomination forms, which is scheduled to take place from May 21 to May 23. Completed forms are to be submitted on or before May 25.
It added that appeals arising from the screening process would be handled between May 25 and May 26, while primary elections for various elective positions are slated for May 27 and May 28.
The presidential primary election, the party noted, will be held on May 29, 2026, in Abuja.
Cleopas explained that aspirants for state Houses of Assembly would undergo screening in their respective states, while those
contesting for National Assembly and presidential positions would be screened at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.He also stated that all aspirants would be required to sign an undertaking in line with the party’s guidelines and code of conduct.
The party further announced that it would adopt the open secret ballot system for its primaries, describing the method as a means of ensuring transparency, fairness, and internal democracy.
Under the approved fee structure, aspirants for state Houses of Assembly are to pay N2.5m for both expression of interest and nomination forms. Those seeking seats in the House of Representatives will pay N6m, while senatorial aspirants are to pay N8m.
Governorship aspirants will pay N30m, while presidential hopefuls are expected to pay N20m for the expression of interest form and N40m for the nomination form, bringing the total to N60m.
The party, however, offered concessions to encourage inclusivity, stating that female aspirants would pay 50 per cent of the fees, while persons living with disabilities would pay 25 per cent across all categories.
The NDC maintained that its nomination fees remain relatively moderate compared to those of other major political parties and reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent and credible primaries capable of producing qualified candidates for the 2027 elections.
