By Mgbo Ukpai
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has moved to position itself early for the 2027 general election with the release of a detailed timetable for the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms to aspirants seeking elective offices across the country, including a presidential nomination fee of N60 million.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by Moses Zuwoghe and Ikenna Enekweizu, the party announced that the sale of expression of interest forms would begin on May 13 and end on May 18, 2026, marking the official commencement of its preparations for the next electoral cycle.
The development comes at a time when political parties are beginning to reorganize ahead of what is expected to be another highly contested election season in Nigeria. While the 2027 polls are still months away, the NDC’s early release of its timetable signals an attempt to build momentum, attract aspirants, and project itself as a structured alternative within the country’s evolving political landscape.
According to the party, the screening and interview of aspirants would commence on May 19 and would determine eligibility for the purchase of nomination forms. The exercise, the party noted, is intended to ensure that only qualified aspirants who meet constitutional and party requirements proceed to the next stage of the process.
Aspirants were advised to attend the screening exercise with all relevant credentials and supporting documents. The party emphasized that adherence to guidelines would be strictly monitored as part of efforts to uphold discipline and internal democracy.
Following the screening exercise, the sale of nomination forms is expected to take place between May 21 and May 23, while completed forms must be submitted on or before May 25, 2026.
The timetable also outlined the venues for the screening process. Aspirants for state houses of assembly are to be screened in their respective states, while those contesting for seats in the national assembly, governorship positions, and the presidency would be screened at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Political observers say the decentralized approach for state assembly aspirants could help reduce logistical pressure on the party’s national secretariat while allowing state structures to play a more active role in candidate selection.
Another notable aspect of the party’s guidelines is its adoption of the “open secret ballot” system for the conduct of primaries. The NDC described the system as a mechanism designed to guarantee credibility, fairness, and transparency during the nomination process.
The open secret ballot system, which has been used in some party primaries in Nigeria, allows party delegates to cast votes openly within designated voting areas while maintaining some level of secrecy in the actual marking of ballots. Supporters of the system argue that it reduces manipulation and promotes accountability, although critics often raise concerns about possible voter intimidation and influence.
The NDC, however, insisted that the method would strengthen internal democracy and reassure members of a level playing field during the primaries.
The party also disclosed that governorship primaries would be conducted at the local government level, a move aimed at widening participation among party delegates and grassroots stakeholders.
In addition, all aspirants would be required to sign an undertaking in line with the party’s code of conduct and operational guidelines. Analysts believe such undertakings are increasingly becoming common among political parties seeking to minimize post-primary disputes and defections.
Perhaps most significant for many aspiring politicians is the party’s fee structure, which the NDC described as one of the most affordable among major political parties in the country. According to the breakdown released by the party, aspirants for state houses of assembly are expected to pay N1 million for expression of interest forms and N1.5 million for nomination forms.
For presidential aspirants, however, the combined cost of expression of interest and nomination forms stands at N60 million, reflecting the enormous financial demands often associated with Nigeria’s presidential contests. While the figure is still lower than amounts charged in previous election cycles by some established parties, it nevertheless highlights the growing monetisation of political participation in the country.
The relatively moderate fees for lower elective offices may appeal to younger politicians, women, and first-time aspirants who often struggle with the high cost of participating in Nigerian politics. Over the years, civil society organizations and political reform advocates have repeatedly criticized major political parties for imposing exorbitant nomination fees that limit participation to wealthy political elites.
By stressing affordability, transparency, and inclusiveness, the NDC appears eager to distinguish itself in a crowded political environment where public trust in party processes has often been undermined by allegations of imposition, manipulation, and lack of internal democracy.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of 2027, the success of the NDC’s promises may ultimately depend not only on the timetable it has unveiled, but also on how faithfully it implements the principles it now publicly champions.
