NDC sets presidential nomination fee at N60m, opts for 'open secret ballot' system for internal elections

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has unveiled its primary election schedule, with presidential aspirants facing a N60 million fee for nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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This announcement was made by NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, in a statement released to journalists in Abuja, outlining the party's internal electoral process.

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The sale of forms is set to commence from May 13 to May 18, with aspirants required to attend a screening exercise with their relevant credentials and supporting documents.

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According to the party, the screening exercise will be followed by the sale of nomination forms from May 21 to May 23, 2026, and completed forms must be submitted on or before May 25.

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Any appeals arising from the screening process will be entertained on May 25 and 26, while primary elections for various elective offices are scheduled to take place on May 27 and 28, 2026.

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The Presidential Primary Election is slated for May 29, 2026, in Abuja, as announced by Cleopas, who also clarified that state Houses of Assembly aspirants will be screened in their respective states.

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Meanwhile, screening for National Assembly and presidential aspirants will take place at the party's national headquarters in Abuja, with every aspirant required to sign an undertaking in line with the party's guidelines and code of conduct.

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The party has adopted the 'open secret ballot' system for its primaries to ensure credibility, fairness, and internal democracy, with Cleopas highlighting the benefits of this voting method.

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An open ballot system allows voters to vote openly, in contrast to a secret ballot, where a voter's choices are confidential, and the NDC believes this will guarantee transparency in its primaries.

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The NDC's approved nomination fees are among the lowest compared to other major political parties in the country, with state Houses of Assembly aspirants expected to pay N2.5m for both expression of interest and nomination forms.

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Aspirants for the House of Representatives will pay N6m, while those in the Senate category will pay N8m for both forms, and governorship hopefuls will need to pay N30m.

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Presidential aspirants will pay N20m for the expression of interest form and N40m for the nomination, bringing the total cost to N60m, as outlined in the party's approved fee structure.

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Female aspirants and persons living with disability will receive discounts, paying 50 per cent and 25 per cent of the fees across all categories, respectively.

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The party has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and credible primary election process, capable of producing competent candidates for the 2027 general elections, according to Cleopas.