NDC Begins Sale of Nomination Forms, Sets Presidential Primary for May 29, 2026
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially kicked off its electoral process for the 2027 general elections, announcing the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for all aspirants. The party has scheduled its presidential primary election for May 29, 2026, in Abuja, marking a critical milestone in the nation’s political calendar.
Sets N60m for presidency, governorship N30m, Senate N8m, Reps N6m
Key Dates and Timeline
In a statement released Tuesday night by National Chairman Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe and Secretary Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC outlined a structured timeline designed to ensure a transparent and orderly process:
- Expression of Interest Form Sales: May 13 – May 18, 2026
- Screening and Interviews: May 19 – May 21, 2026
- Nomination Form Sales: May 21 – May 23, 2026
- Submission Deadline: May 25, 2026
- Appeals Process: May 25 – May 26, 2026
- Primary Elections (State & National Assembly): May 27 – May 28, 2026
- Presidential Primary: May 29, 2026 (Abuja)
Fee Structure: A Competitive Edge
The NDC has positioned its fees as among the lowest in the country, aiming to attract a broad range of candidates. Below is the complete breakdown:
| Position | Expression of Interest Fee (₦) | Nomination Fee (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| State House of Assembly | 1,000,000 | 1,500,000 |
| House of Representatives | 2,000,000 | 4,000,000 |
| Senate | 3,000,000 | 5,000,000 |
| Governorship | 10,000,000 | 20,000,000 |
| Presidency | 20,000,000 | 40,000,000 |
Inclusivity Discounts
In a move to promote gender equity and disability inclusion, the NDC has introduced significant fee reductions:
- Female aspirants: 50% discount on all fees
- Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs): 75% discount (pay only 25% of fees)
This policy is designed to lower financial barriers and encourage underrepresented groups to participate actively in the democratic process.
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Screening and Appeals Process
Aspirants must attend screening with original credentials and supporting documents. Screening locations vary by office:
- State House of Assembly aspirants: Screened in their respective states
- National Assembly and Presidential aspirants: Screened at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja
Any disputes arising from the screening will be handled through a dedicated appeals process on May 25–26, ensuring due process for all candidates.
Primary Election Method: Open Secret Ballot
The NDC has adopted the open secret ballot system for its primaries. This method allows party members to vote in a manner that is both transparent (observable by party officials) and confidential (secret from the public), aiming to balance credibility with internal democracy. The party stated this approach is intended to “guarantee credibility, fairness, and internal democracy.”
Governorship Primaries at Local Government Level
Unlike other positions, governorship primaries will be conducted at the local government level, bringing the process closer to grassroots party members and reducing logistical challenges.
Code of Conduct and Undertaking
All aspirants will be required to sign a formal undertaking, pledging to adhere to the party’s guidelines and code of conduct. This measure is designed to prevent intra-party conflicts and ensure that candidates campaign and compete ethically.
Strategic Context and Analysis
The NDC’s early start—more than a year before the 2027 general elections—signals a strategic push to build momentum and attract quality candidates. By keeping fees relatively low and offering substantial discounts to women and PWDs, the party is positioning itself as a progressive alternative to older, more established parties. Political analysts note that this approach could help the NDC expand its base and challenge the dominance of the APC and PDP, especially if the party can deliver on its promise of a transparent primary process.
For comparison, major parties in Nigeria have historically charged significantly higher nomination fees—sometimes exceeding ₦50 million for presidential tickets—making the NDC’s ₦60 million total (Expression of Interest + Nomination) a competitive option.
Conclusion
The NDC has laid out a clear, detailed roadmap for its 2027 primaries. With a focus on affordability, inclusivity, and transparency, the party aims to set a new standard for internal democracy in Nigeria. Aspirants and party members are advised to adhere strictly to the published deadlines and requirements to ensure a smooth process.
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