The Nigeria Democratic Congress has released the timetable for its primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, with aspirants seeking the party’s presidential ticket expected to pay a total of N60 million for nomination and expression of interest forms.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the National Chairman of the party, Moses Cleopas, as the NDC opened preparations for its internal election process across the country.
According to the timetable released by the party, the sale of forms will begin from May 13 and end on May 18. Aspirants are also expected to participate in a screening exercise and appear with all necessary credentials and supporting documents before they can move to the next stage of the process.
The party disclosed that the sale of nomination forms would continue from May 21 to May 23 after the screening exercise. It also directed aspirants to return completed forms on or before May 25.
The NDC further announced that appeals arising from the screening exercise would be handled between May 25 and May 26, while primary elections for different political offices would take place on May 27 and May 28.
The presidential primary election has been fixed for May 29 in Abuja.
The party explained that aspirants seeking seats in state Houses of Assembly would be screened within their various states, while those contesting for National Assembly positions and the presidency would undergo screening at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Cleopas also disclosed that every aspirant would be required to sign an undertaking based on the party’s rules and code of conduct before taking part in the process.
The NDC said it would use an open secret ballot system during the primaries as part of efforts to ensure fairness and credibility in the selection of candidates.
Under the fee structure released by the party, aspirants for state Houses of Assembly are expected to pay N2.5 million for both forms, while House of Representatives aspirants will pay N6 million.
Senatorial aspirants are to pay N8 million, while governorship aspirants will pay N30 million for the nomination and expression of interest forms.
For the presidential race, the expression of interest form was fixed at N20 million, while the nomination form costs N40 million, bringing the total amount to N60 million.
The party also announced fee reductions for women and persons living with disabilities. Female aspirants are expected to pay half of the approved fees, while persons living with disabilities will pay 25 per cent across all categories.
The NDC maintained that its fees remain lower than what some major political parties charge aspirants and added that the party remained committed to conducting a transparent and credible primary election ahead of the 2027 polls.