By Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of a revised timetable for its congresses, primaries and national convention as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
In a letter dated April 15, 2026 and addressed to the INEC Chairman, the party said the review followed deliberations at its National Executive Committee meeting held on March 25, where a draft schedule of activities was initially presented and adopted.
The correspondence, jointly signed by the NDC National Chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, and the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, stated that although earlier dates had been communicated to the electoral body, the party later reviewed the timetable “in its best interest.”
According to the revised schedule, activities have already commenced with an ongoing electronic membership registration and mobilisation drive across the country.
The party disclosed that the e-registration exercise will close at noon on April 29, 2026, the same day its updated membership register will be submitted to INEC in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
The timetable further shows that the party’s congresses will begin on May 1 with ward congresses nationwide, including polling unit and community-level exercises where applicable.
This will be followed by local government congresses scheduled for May 2, while state congresses will hold on May 4. Zonal congresses are expected to take place on May 6.
The NDC’s national convention, where party officials will be elected, has been fixed for May 9, 2026.
In a separate notification to the electoral body, the party also outlined its timetable for the conduct of party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the schedule, primaries for State Houses of Assembly will hold on May 22, while those for the National Assembly are slated for May 24. Governorship primaries will take place on May 25, 2026.
The party said a final national convention for the ratification of candidates emerging from the primaries has been scheduled for May 29, 2026.
The NDC urged INEC to deploy its officials to monitor all stages of the exercises, reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The development signals the party’s early mobilisation and organisational efforts as political parties gradually begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.