ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The race for the 2027 general elections intensified on Tuesday after the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) unveiled its timetable for party primaries and fixed its presidential nomination and expression of interest forms at N60 million.
The party also pegged its governorship forms at N30 million as it formally opened the contest for aspirants seeking elective positions ahead of what is expected to become a fierce political battle for power in 2027.
In a statement jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC announced that the sale of expression of interest forms for all elective offices would begin on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Under the new fee structure released by the party, presidential aspirants are expected to pay N20 million for the expression of interest form and N40 million for the nomination form, bringing the total cost to N60 million.
Governorship aspirants will pay N10 million for the expression of interest form and another N20 million for the nomination form.
READ ALSO: Kwankwaso Backs NDC Zoning Formula
The party also fixed nomination costs for other elective offices, with senatorial aspirants expected to pay N3 million for expression of interest and N5 million for nomination forms.
For House of Representatives aspirants, the fees were pegged at N2 million and N4 million respectively, while aspirants seeking seats in State Houses of Assembly would pay N1 million for expression of interest forms and N1.5 million for nomination forms.
https://membership.ndcnigeria.com/https://membership.ndcnigeria.com/The announcement signals the formal commencement of internal political manoeuvring within the NDC as aspirants and power blocs begin consultations ahead of the party’s primaries.
According to the timetable released by the party, the sale of expression of interest forms will close on May 18, while screening and interviews for aspirants are scheduled to hold between May 19 and May 21.
The party explained that only aspirants who successfully scale the screening stage would qualify to purchase nomination forms.
It added that nomination forms would be sold between May 21 and May 23, while completed forms must be returned not later than May 25.
Appeals arising from the screening process are expected to be handled on May 25 and 26 before the commencement of primary elections on May 27 and 28.
The NDC also announced that its presidential primary election would hold in Abuja on May 29, 2026.
The party disclosed that aspirants for State Houses of Assembly would be screened in their respective states, while governorship, National Assembly and presidential aspirants would undergo screening at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
It further revealed that governorship primaries would be conducted at the local government level as part of measures aimed at widening participation within the party structure.
The statement added that all aspirants would be required to sign undertakings in line with the party’s code of conduct and electoral guidelines.
READ ALSO: Kwankwaso Urges Nigerians To Join NDC Movement
In what appears to be a move to strengthen internal credibility ahead of the elections, the NDC also announced the adoption of the “open secret ballot” system for its primaries.
According to the party, the system would help guarantee transparency, fairness and internal democracy during delegate voting.
“The party remains committed to a transparent and democratic process that guarantees fairness, inclusiveness and internal democracy in the conduct of its primaries,” the statement read.
The NDC also attempted to position itself as more flexible than major political parties by insisting that its nomination fees remained among the lowest in the country’s political landscape.
In a move targeted at encouraging broader participation, the party announced concessions for women and persons living with disabilities.
Female aspirants are expected to pay only 50 per cent of the approved fees, while persons living with disabilities will enjoy a 75 per cent waiver across all categories.