NDC fixes presidential primary for May 29, pegs form at N60m

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced that aspirants seeking its presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections will pay N60 million for nomination and expression of interest forms.

The party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja while unveiling the timetable for the party’s primary elections.

According to the schedule, the sale of forms will run from May 13 to May 18 as part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 polls.

Cleopas said aspirants are expected to participate in the screening exercise with all relevant credentials and supporting documents.

He explained that the sale of nomination forms would begin immediately after the screening exercise and continue from May 21 to May 23, while completed forms must be returned on or before May 25.

He added that appeals arising from the screening process would be handled between May 25 and May 26.

The party fixed May 27 and May 28 for primary elections into various elective positions, while the presidential primary election is scheduled to hold on May 29 in Abuja.

Cleopas further stated that 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.

He noted that all aspirants would be required to sign an undertaking in line with the party’s guidelines and code of conduct.

The NDC also announced that it would adopt the open secret ballot system for its primaries, saying the method would promote transparency, fairness and internal democracy.

Under the party’s approved fee structure, aspirants for state Houses of Assembly are to pay N2.5 million for expression of interest and nomination forms, while House of Representatives aspirants will pay N6 million.

Senatorial aspirants are expected to pay N8 million, while governorship hopefuls will pay N30 million.

For the presidential ticket, aspirants will pay N20 million for the expression of interest form and N40 million for the nomination form, bringing the total to N60 million.

The party also announced concessions for female aspirants and persons living with disabilities, who will pay 50 per cent and 25 per cent of the approved fees respectively across all categories.

Cleopas reaffirmed the party’s commitment to conducting transparent and credible primary elections capable of producing competent candidates for the 2027 general elections.