NDC Unveils 2027 Primary Schedule, Presidential Form At ₦60 Million

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced its 2027 elections timetable, with presidential hopefuls expected to pay ₦60 million for nomination forms. NDC primaries will begin later this month as the party prepares for its internal election process across Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Moses Cleopas, the party’s National Chairman, confirmed that the sale of forms will run from May 13 to May 18. He explained that all aspirants must attend screening exercises and present the required credentials and supporting documents.

According to the statement, the sale of nomination forms will begin after the screening stage and continue from May 21 to May 23, 2026. Aspirants must return completed forms by May 25. The party also confirmed that appeals linked to the screening process will be handled on May 25 and 26.

The NDC primaries for various political offices will take place on May 27 and 28, while the presidential primary is scheduled for May 29 in Abuja. Cleopas said aspirants seeking seats in state Houses of Assembly will complete screening in their respective states. Meanwhile, screening for National Assembly and presidential hopefuls will hold at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

The party added that every aspirant must sign an undertaking based on its code of conduct and internal guidelines. It also confirmed plans to use an “open secret ballot” voting method during the NDC primaries to strengthen transparency, fairness and internal democracy.

Under the approved fees, governorship aspirants will pay ₦30 million, while Senate hopefuls will pay ₦8 million. Female aspirants will receive a 50 per cent discount, while persons living with disabilities will pay only 25 per cent of the approved fees.

Could these measures improve public confidence in party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections?