Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced the commencement of the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for aspirants seeking to contest elective offices on the party’s platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the party said the sale of Expression of Interest Forms will begin on Wednesday, May 13, and end on Monday, May 18, 2026.
According to the timetable, screening and interview of aspirants will take place from May 19 to May 21, after which successful aspirants will be eligible to purchase Nomination Forms between May 21 and May 23.
The party stated that completed nomination forms must be submitted on or before May 25, while appeals arising from the screening process will be entertained on May 25 and 26.
It added that primary elections for State Assembly, National Assembly and governorship positions will be held on May 27 and 28, while the Presidential Primary Election is scheduled for May 29 in Abuja.
The NDC explained that aspirants for State Houses of Assembly will be screened in their respective states, while those seeking National Assembly and presidential tickets will undergo screening at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. Governorship primaries, it said, will be conducted at the local government level.
The party said all aspirants would be required to sign an undertaking in line with its guidelines and code of conduct.
To ensure transparency and fairness, the NDC said it would adopt the open secret ballot system for all its primary elections.
The statement also noted that the party’s nomination fees remain among the lowest charged by major political parties in the country.
Under the approved fee structure, aspirants for State Houses of Assembly will pay ₦1 million for the Expression of Interest Form and ₦1.5 million for the Nomination Form.
House of Representatives aspirants are to pay ₦2 million and ₦4 million respectively, while Senate aspirants will pay ₦3 million for the Expression of Interest Form and ₦5 million for the Nomination Form.
Governorship aspirants are expected to pay ₦10 million for the Expression of Interest Form and ₦20 million for the Nomination Form, while presidential aspirants will pay ₦20 million and ₦40 million respectively.
The party, however, granted concessions to female aspirants and persons living with disabilities, who will pay 50 per cent and 25 per cent of the prescribed fees respectively across all categories.
The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent, inclusive and credible primary elections that will produce competent candidates for the 2027 general elections.
