NDC Fixes May 29 Presidential Primary, Sets N60m Form Fee For Aspirants

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the commencement of the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for aspirants seeking to contest in the 2027 general elections, with the party fixing its presidential primary election for May 29, 2026, in Abuja.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday night by the party’s National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu.

According to the statement, the sale of Expression of Interest Forms will begin on Wednesday, May 13, and end on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The party released a detailed breakdown of fees for aspirants contesting various elective positions. Aspirants for State Houses of Assembly are expected to pay N1 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N1.5 million for the Nomination Form.

House of Representatives aspirants will pay N2 million and N4 million respectively, while senatorial aspirants are to pay N3 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N5 million for the Nomination Form.

For governorship positions, the party fixed the fees at N10 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N20 million for the Nomination Form.

Presidential aspirants are expected to pay N20 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N40 million for the Nomination Form, bringing the total cost of participation in the presidential race to N60 million.

The NDC, however, announced concessions for women and persons living with disabilities (PWDs). Female aspirants are to pay 50 per cent of the prescribed fees, while PWDs will pay only 25 per cent across all categories.

The party disclosed that screening and interviews for aspirants will hold between May 19 and May 21, 2026, to determine eligibility for the purchase of nomination forms. Aspirants were directed to appear with relevant credentials and supporting documents.

The sale of Nomination Forms will commence immediately after the screening exercise, running from May 21 to May 23, while completed forms must be submitted on or before May 25.

Appeals arising from the screening process will be entertained on May 25 and 26.

According to the timetable released by the party, primary elections for various elective offices will hold on May 27 and 28, while the Presidential Primary Election is scheduled for May 29, 2026, in Abuja.

The NDC further explained that State House of Assembly aspirants will be screened in their respective states, while National Assembly and presidential aspirants will undergo screening at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. Governorship primaries, it added, will be conducted at the local government level.

The party also stated that all aspirants would be required to sign an undertaking in line with the party’s guidelines and code of conduct.

It added that the “open secret ballot” system would be adopted for all primaries to ensure credibility, fairness, and internal democracy.

The NDC maintained that its nomination fees remain among the lowest when compared to those charged by other major political parties, reiterating its commitment to a transparent and inclusive process aimed at producing credible candidates for the 2027 general elections.