NDC sets presidential primary fee at N60 million, with primaries scheduled for May 29

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) announced on Tuesday the timetable for its primary elections, stating that presidential candidates must pay N60 million for the Nomination and Expression of Interest forms in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas disclosed the details in a statement released to journalists in Abuja.

Cleopas said that the sale of forms will begin on 13 May and run through 18 May, marking the first step of the party’s internal electoral process ahead of the next general elections.

The party also instructed aspirants to attend the scheduled screening exercise and to bring the required credentials and supporting documents.

The statement read, “The sale of nomination forms will commence immediately after the screening exercise from Thursday, May 21 to Saturday, May 23, 2026, while completed forms must be submitted on or before Monday, May 25.

“Appeals arising from the screening process will be entertained on May 25 and 26, while primary elections for various elective offices are scheduled for May 27 and 28, 2026.

“The presidential primary election is slated for May 29, 2026, in Abuja.”

Cleopas added that candidates seeking tickets for state Houses of Assembly will be screened in their respective states, whereas National Assembly and presidential aspirants will undergo screening at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

He noted that each aspirant must sign an undertaking consistent with the party’s guidelines and code of conduct.

He said, “The party also announced that it would adopt the ‘open secret ballot’ system for its primaries to guarantee credibility, fairness, and internal democracy.”

An open ballot system is a voting method in which voters cast their votes openly, unlike a secret ballot where choices remain confidential.

The NDC maintains that its