The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially commenced preparations for the 2027 general elections with the release of its full timetable for the sale of nomination forms and conduct of party primaries across all elective positions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Chairman, Moses Zuwoghe, and National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, the party announced that the sale of expression of interest forms began on May 13, 2026, and will run until May 18, 2026.
The party further disclosed that screening and interviews for all aspirants will take place between May 19 and May 21, a process it said will determine eligibility for purchasing nomination forms.
According to the schedule, successful aspirants will proceed to buy nomination forms between May 21 and May 23, while all completed submissions must be returned on or before May 25, 2026.
The NDC said appeals arising from the screening exercise will be considered between May 25 and May 26, after which party primaries for various positions will hold on May 27 and May 28.
The presidential primary election has been fixed for May 29, 2026, in Abuja, marking the final stage of the party’s internal selection process ahead of the general election cycle.
For legislative aspirants, the party said screening for state houses of assembly will be conducted at state level, while national assembly and presidential hopefuls will be screened at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Governorship aspirants, according to the party, will undergo screening at the local government level.
The NDC also stated that all aspirants must sign undertakings to comply with party guidelines and its code of conduct as part of efforts to ensure discipline and internal order.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, the party promised a “transparent, inclusive, and democratic process” throughout the sale of forms and conduct of primaries, adding that it would adopt an “open secret ballot” system for voting.
On nomination fees, the party said its charges remain among the most affordable compared to other political parties in the country, while also offering concessions for women and persons living with disabilities.
Under the approved structure, state assembly aspirants will pay N1 million for expression of interest forms and N1.5 million for nomination forms. House of Representatives aspirants will pay N2 million and N4 million respectively.
Senatorial aspirants are required to pay N3 million for expression of interest and N5 million for nomination forms, while governorship aspirants will pay N10 million and N20 million respectively.
Presidential aspirants will pay N20 million for expression of interest forms and N40 million for nomination forms.
The party added that female aspirants will pay 50 percent of the prescribed fees, while persons living with disabilities will enjoy a 25 percent discount across all categories.
With the timetable now unveiled, the NDC says it is positioning itself for a structured and competitive internal process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
