By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the commencement of the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for aspirants seeking to contest elective positions on the platform of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an official signed statement by the National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and the National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the party disclosed that the sale of Expression of Interest Forms will begin on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and close on Monday, May 18, 2026.
According to the timetable released by the party, screening and interview sessions for aspirants will hold from Tuesday, May 19, to Thursday, May 21, 2026. The exercise is expected to determine the eligibility of aspirants for the purchase of Nomination Forms.
The party advised all aspirants to appear for the screening exercise with their relevant credentials and supporting documents.
The statement further disclosed that the sale of Nomination Forms would commence immediately after the screening exercise, running from Thursday, May 21, to Saturday, May 23, 2026, while completed forms are to be submitted on or before Monday, May 25, 2026.
The NDC stated that appeals arising from the screening process would be entertained on May 25 and 26, while primary elections for various elective offices are scheduled for May 27 and 28, 2026.
According to the party, the Presidential Primary Election will hold on May 29, 2026, in Abuja.
The party explained that aspirants seeking tickets for State Houses of Assembly would be screened in their respective states, while aspirants for National Assembly and Presidential positions would undergo screening at the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
It also revealed that governorship primaries would be conducted at the local government level.
The NDC stated that all aspirants would be required to sign an undertaking in line with the party’s guidelines and code of conduct.
The party assured members and aspirants of a transparent, inclusive, and democratic process in the conduct of its primaries and sale of forms.
The statement added that the party would adopt the “open secret ballot” system during its primaries to ensure credibility, fairness, and internal democracy.
The NDC also noted that its approved nomination fees remain among the lowest when compared with those of other major political parties in the country.
According to the breakdown released by the party, aspirants for State Houses of Assembly are expected to pay N1 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N1.5 million for the Nomination Form.
House of Representatives aspirants are to pay N2 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N4 million for the Nomination Form, while Senate aspirants will pay N3 million and N5 million respectively.
Governorship aspirants are expected to pay N10 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N20 million for the Nomination Form, while presidential aspirants will pay N20 million and N40 million respectively.
The party further announced concessions for female aspirants and persons living with disabilities, stating that women would pay 50 per cent of the approved fees, while PWDs would pay 25 per cent across all categories.
The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and credible primary election process capable of producing competent candidates for the 2027 general elections.
