2027: NDC Releases Updated Primary Election Guidelines Nationwide

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a statement detailing the schedule for its upcoming presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly primaries.

Signed by Senator Moses Cleopas, National Chairman, and Barr. Ikenna Alex‑Morgan Enekweizu, National Secretary, the statement confirms that the primaries will be held nationwide on May 29, 2026, in line with the previously set timetable of May 28 and 29.

The party cited the Eid‑el‑Kabir holidays and related public holidays as the cause of significant transportation and logistical challenges, including a shortage of available flights. Consequently, many aspirants who had arrived in Abuja for the screening process, along with members of the screening committee, are now stranded in the city.

To address this, the NDC has decided that May 28 will be used for arrivals, documentation with INEC and security agencies, consultative meetings, and other preparatory activities. The primaries will then take place on May 29.

On May 28, teams will also hold meetings with stakeholders, party elders, and aspirants in their respective states. The party has made it clear that no state agencies—such as the Police, INEC, DSS, or others—may participate in the events and meetings scheduled for that day. Any actions taken outside these established guidelines will be deemed unauthorized and illegal.

The primary procedures on May 29 will include:

• Presidential affirmation
• National Assembly primaries/affirmation
• State Assembly primaries/affirmation
• Governorship primaries/affirmation

“The respective teams will gather and process all results, which will then be sent to the National Headquarters, where the National Working Committee will officially announce the outcomes,” the statement read.

It added, “No state executive or team is authorized to declare any results. We appeal for understanding and encourage all participants to behave responsibly, as the party maintains a strict policy against violence, disorderly conduct, and hooliganism.”