The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has concluded the sale of presidential nomination forms ahead of the 2027 elections, closing the window on May 18, 2026. Each aspirant was required to pay N60 million and N20 million for the Expression of Interest form and N40 million for the Nomination form though female aspirants received a 50% discount and persons with disabilities were granted a 25% waiver.
The party confirmed that several aspirants purchased the forms, but it has not yet released the official number. That figure is expected to become public during the screening exercise, which runs from May 19 to May 26, 2026, before the submission deadline of May 25. The presidential primary itself is scheduled for May 29 in Abuja.
For international observers, the closure of sales underscores the steep financial barrier to entry in Nigerian politics, where nomination fees are among the highest in Africa. While the NDC introduced concessions for women and persons with disabilities, the overall cost still raises questions about inclusivity and accessibility. The party’s decision to adopt an “open secret ballot” system for its primaries also reflects an attempt to balance transparency with internal control.
