ADC sets primary dates, fixes presidential form at ₦100m

The African Democratic Congress on Sunday announced when, where, why, who and how its 2026 primary elections will take place, as it released a full timetable covering the sale of forms, screening, appeals and voting for different positions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the plan public, stating that the process will begin with the sale of nomination forms from May 5 to May 10, 2026, while submission of completed forms will follow from May 11 to May 13. It explained that screening of aspirants will hold between May 14 and May 15, with results expected on May 17.

According to the schedule, those who are not satisfied with the screening outcome will have the chance to appeal between May 18 and May 19, while the final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 20. The party said primary elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate seats will take place on May 21 at the ward level.

Governorship primaries are fixed for May 22, while the presidential primary will be conducted on May 25.
The timetable also shows that a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee will hold on May 26, followed by a special national convention on May 27, where final decisions and approvals will be made.

The party also announced the cost of nomination forms for different positions. It fixed the presidential form at ₦100 million, governorship at ₦50 million, Senate at ₦20 million, House of Representatives at ₦10 million, and State House of Assembly at ₦3 million.

It added that discounts have been introduced to allow more people to take part, with younger aspirants getting a 50 percent reduction, while women and persons with disabilities will receive a 25 percent cut.

The announcement comes at a time the party is facing internal disagreements and legal matters linked to its leadership and structure. A recent court decision restored a faction led by former Senate President David Mark, but disputes within the party have continued, with some members questioning control and direction as the 2027 elections draw closer.

Despite these issues, the party asked its members and aspirants to follow the timetable strictly and prepare for the process as outlined.