NDC Pegs Presidential Forms at N60m Ahead of 2027 Elections

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has fixed the total cost of its presidential Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at N60 million as the party unveiled its timetable for primaries and sale of forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The timetable was contained in a statement jointly signed on Tuesday by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu.

According to the statement, the sale of Expression of Interest Forms for all elective positions will begin on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and close on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The party explained that aspirants would undergo screening and interviews between May 19 and May 21 before becoming eligible to purchase Nomination Forms.

It stated that the sale of Nomination Forms would commence immediately after the screening exercise and run from May 21 to May 23, while completed forms must be returned not later than May 25.

The NDC also disclosed that appeals arising from the screening process would be handled on May 25 and 26, while primary elections for various offices would hold on May 27 and 28.

According to the timetable, the party’s presidential primary election is scheduled for May 29, 2026, in Abuja.

The party said aspirants for State Houses of Assembly would be screened in their respective states, while screening for National Assembly and presidential aspirants would take place at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

Governorship primaries, the statement added, would be conducted at the local government level.

The NDC said all aspirants seeking its tickets would be required to sign undertakings in line with the party’s code of conduct and electoral guidelines.

The party further assured members and aspirants of what it described as a transparent, inclusive and credible primary process capable of producing competent candidates for the 2027 elections.

Part of the statement read: “The party remains committed to a transparent and democratic process that guarantees fairness, inclusiveness and internal democracy in the conduct of its primaries.”

The party also announced the adoption of the “open secret ballot” system for its primaries, saying the method would strengthen credibility and transparency during delegate voting.

A breakdown of the approved fees released by the party showed that presidential aspirants are expected to pay N20 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N40 million for the Nomination Form, bringing the total to N60 million.

Governorship aspirants are to pay N10 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N20 million for the Nomination Form.

For senatorial aspirants, the party fixed the fees at N3 million and N5 million respectively, while House of Representatives aspirants are expected to pay N2 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N4 million for the Nomination Form.

State House of Assembly aspirants will pay N1 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N1.5 million for the Nomination Form.

The NDC said its nomination fees remain among the lowest when compared with those charged by other major political parties in the country.

The party also announced concessions for female aspirants and persons living with disabilities, stating that women would pay only 50 per cent of the approved fees, while PWDs would enjoy a 75 per cent waiver across all categories.

The statement reaffirmed the party’s resolve to deepen internal democracy as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.