The Nigeria Democratic Congress has unveiled the schedule for its 2027 primary elections, setting a ₦60 million fee for presidential aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, announced that the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms will begin on May 13 and end on May 18 as preparations intensify for the party’s internal elections.
According to the timetable, screening of aspirants will precede the sale of nomination forms, which is scheduled to take place from May 21 to May 23, 2026.
Aspirants are expected to appear before screening panels with all necessary credentials and supporting documents.
The party stated that completed nomination forms must be submitted no later than May 25, while appeals arising from the screening process will be handled between May 25 and May 26.
Primary elections for various elective positions are expected to hold on May 27 and 28, with the presidential primary fixed for May 29 in Abuja.
Cleopas explained that aspirants contesting for seats in state Houses of Assembly would undergo screening within their respective states, while those seeking National Assembly and presidential tickets would be screened at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
He further disclosed that all aspirants would be required to sign an undertaking affirming compliance with the party’s code of conduct and electoral guidelines.
The Open Vote System
The NDC also confirmed that it would adopt an “open secret ballot” voting method during the primaries, describing the approach as part of efforts to ensure transparency, fairness, and internal democracy throughout the exercise.
Under the fee structure released by the party, aspirants for state Houses of Assembly are expected to pay ₦2.5 million for both Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.
Those contesting for the House of Representatives will pay ₦6 million, while Senate aspirants are to pay ₦8 million.
Governorship aspirants will be required to purchase forms worth ₦30 million.
For the presidential race, aspirants are expected to pay ₦20 million for the Expression of Interest form and ₦40 million for the Nomination form, bringing the total cost to ₦60 million.
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The party also introduced concessions for women and persons living with disabilities.
Female aspirants will enjoy a 50 percent reduction in fees, while aspirants living with disabilities will pay only 25 percent of the approved charges across all categories.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible internal elections, the NDC said the measures were designed to produce capable candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
