The African Democratic Congress has announced a reduction in its nomination fees alongside an updated timetable for the 2026 primaries, signaling an effort to broaden participation in the electoral process. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party confirmed that the presidential nomination form will now cost N90 million, down from N100 million, while governorship forms are set at N30 million, Senate at N10 million, House of Representatives at N5 million, and State Houses of Assembly at N2 million.
Party officials described the adjustment as a deliberate move to ease financial barriers for aspirants and encourage wider representation across different levels of government. They emphasized that the revised fees reflect the party’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness, while maintaining standards necessary for credible candidacy. The updated timetable is expected to provide clarity for aspirants preparing to contest in the primaries.
Reactions from political observers and potential aspirants have been mixed. Some welcomed the reduction as a step toward democratizing access to leadership opportunities, noting that high costs often discourage capable candidates. Others argued that the fees remain steep compared to average income levels, suggesting that further reductions would be necessary to truly expand participation. The announcement has nonetheless positioned the ADC as a party seeking to balance financial sustainability with broader political engagement ahead of the 2026 elections.
