2027: NDC Releases Revised Timetable for Congresses, Primaries

2027: NDC Releases Revised Timetable for Congresses, Primaries

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has submitted a revised timetable for its internal elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission 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 updated schedule followed deliberations at its National Executive Committee meeting held on March 25, where an earlier timetable was reviewed and adjusted.

The communication, jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, and National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, indicated that the changes were made in the interest of the party’s organisational process.

According to the revised timetable, activities have already commenced with a nationwide electronic membership registration and mobilisation exercise. The party said the e-registration will end on April 29, after which an updated membership register will be submitted to INEC in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.

Ward congresses are scheduled to begin on May 1 across polling units and communities nationwide, followed by local government congresses on May 2. State congresses are expected to take place on May 4, while zonal congresses will hold on May 6.

The party has fixed its national convention for May 9, 2026, during which new party officials are expected to emerge.

In a separate notice, the NDC also outlined dates for its primary elections. Primaries for State Houses of Assembly are slated for May 22, National Assembly primaries for May 24, and governorship primaries for May 25.

A final national convention to ratify candidates that emerge from the primaries has been scheduled for May 29.

The party called on INEC to deploy monitoring officials to all stages of the process, reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and compliance with electoral guidelines.

The development signals an early mobilisation effort by the party as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.