ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced the commencement of the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for aspirants seeking elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party disclosed that the sale of Expression of Interest Forms will begin on May 13 and close on May 18 as preparations intensify for its primary election activities nationwide.
According to the timetable released by the party leadership, screening and interviews for aspirants will take place between May 19 and May 21.
The screening process will determine the eligibility of aspirants to proceed with the purchase of Nomination Forms.
Party officials advised all aspirants to appear for the exercise with relevant credentials and supporting documents required for verification.
The NDC stated that the sale of Nomination Forms would begin immediately after the screening phase and run from May 21 to May 23.
Completed forms are expected to be submitted on or before May 25, according to the schedule released by the party.
The party further explained that appeals arising from the screening process would be entertained on May 25 and May 26.
Primary elections for various elective positions are scheduled to hold between May 27 and May 28, while the presidential primary election will take place in Abuja on May 29.
The party said aspirants seeking State House of Assembly tickets would undergo screening in their respective states.
However, aspirants for National Assembly and presidential positions will be screened at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
The NDC also disclosed that governorship primaries would be conducted at the local government level as part of efforts to deepen participation within the party structure.
According to the statement, all aspirants will be required to sign undertakings in line with the party’s code of conduct and operational guidelines.
Party leaders assured members and aspirants that the process would remain transparent, inclusive, and democratic.
The NDC announced that it would adopt the “open secret ballot” method during its primaries to strengthen credibility and fairness.
The party also claimed that its nomination fees remain lower than those charged by many major political parties in the country.
Under the approved fee structure, aspirants for State Houses of Assembly are expected to pay N1 million for Expression of Interest Forms and N1.5 million for Nomination Forms.
House of Representatives aspirants will pay N2 million and N4 million respectively for the two categories of forms.
Senatorial aspirants are to pay N3 million for Expression of Interest Forms and N5 million for Nomination Forms.
Governorship aspirants will pay N10 million and N20 million respectively, while presidential aspirants are expected to pay N20 million for Expression of Interest Forms and N40 million for Nomination Forms.
The party added that female aspirants and persons living with disabilities would enjoy discounted rates across all categories.
According to the NDC, women are expected to pay 50 per cent of the approved fees, while persons with disabilities will pay only 25 per cent.
Political analysts say the release of the timetable signals the party’s early preparations for the 2027 elections amid increasing political realignments across the country.
Observers also note that the emphasis on transparency and inclusion reflects growing pressure on political parties to improve internal democracy.
The statement was jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu.
Attention now turns to how the party’s primary process will shape emerging political alliances and candidacies ahead of the next general elections.
