ADC Unveils 2026 Primary Election Timetable

The African Democratic Congress on Sunday released the schedule for its 2026 primary elections, outlining dates, processes, and fees for aspirants seeking to contest various positions. The announcement was made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who said the timetable sets out clear steps for all participants ahead of the elections.

According to the schedule, the sale of nomination forms will begin on May 5 and end on May 10, 2026, while completed forms are to be submitted between May 11 and May 13. Screening of aspirants is fixed for May 14 and May 15, with the results to be released on May 17. Appeals from those not satisfied with the outcome will be handled between May 18 and May 19, and the final list of cleared candidates will be published on May 20.

The party fixed May 21 for primary elections into State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats, which will take place at the ward level. Governorship primaries are scheduled for May 22, while the presidential primary will hold on May 25.

This will be followed by a meeting of the National Executive Committee on May 26 and a special national convention on May 27, where final decisions will be confirmed.
The timetable also includes the cost of nomination forms for different positions.

The presidential form is set at one hundred million naira, governorship at fifty million naira, Senate at twenty million naira, House of Representatives at ten million naira, and State House of Assembly at three million naira.

The party also introduced reduced fees to encourage more participation, offering a half-price rate for young aspirants and a lower rate for women and persons living with disabilities. It called on members, stakeholders, and those interested in contesting to follow the timetable and comply with all guidelines as preparations continue.