NDC sets presidential primary fees at N60 million and adopts an “open secret ballot” system.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) announced on Tuesday its timetable for conducting primary elections, indicating that presidential candidates must pay a total of N60 million for both the expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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

Cleopas said that the sale of forms will begin on 13 May and run through 18 May as part of the party’s internal electoral process preceding the next general elections.

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

The statement partly 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 to be held on 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 candidates for the National Assembly and the presidency will undergo screening at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

He noted that each aspirant must sign an undertaking that aligns 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 allows voters to cast their votes openly, unlike a secret ballot where the choices remain confidential.

The NDC maintains that its approved nomination fees are among the lowest when compared with those of other major political parties in Nigeria.

According to the fee structure, candidates for state Houses of Assembly must pay N2.5 million for both the expression of interest and nomination forms, while House of Representatives candidates are required to pay N6 million.

Senate candidates must pay N8 million for both forms, and governorship hopefuls are required to pay N30 million.

“For the presidency, aspirants will pay N20m for the expression of interest form and N40m for the nomination, bringing