The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) will open the sale of expression of interest forms today.
It will end on May 18.
In a statement yesterday by the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the party said screening and interviews for aspirants would be held from May 19 to May 21 to determine eligibility for the purchase of nomination forms.
The party directed all aspirants to appear for the screening exercise with relevant credentials and supporting documents.
It added that the sale of nomination forms would begin immediately after the screening exercise, from May 21 to May 23, while completed forms are expected to be submitted on or before May 25.
The statement further disclosed that appeals arising from the screening process would be entertained on May 25 and 26, while primary elections for various elective offices are scheduled for May 27 and 28.
The presidential primary election, according to the party, will be held on May 29 in Abuja.
The party explained that aspirants seeking tickets for State Houses of Assembly would be screened in their respective states, while screening for National Assembly and presidential aspirants would take place at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
It also said governorship primaries would be conducted at the local government level.
The NDC stated that all aspirants would be required to sign undertakings in line with the party’s guidelines and code of conduct.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, the party assured members and aspirants of a transparent and inclusive process in the conduct of the primaries.
It added that the ‘open secret ballot’ system would be adopted for the primaries to ensure credibility and fairness.
The party also noted that its approved nomination fees remain among the lowest charged by major political parties in the country.
Under the approved fee structure, aspirants for State Houses of Assembly are to pay N1 million for Expression of Interest Forms and N1.5 million for Nomination Forms, while House of Representatives aspirants will pay N2 million and N4 million respectively.
Senatorial aspirants are expected to pay N3 million for Expression of Interest Forms and N5 million for Nomination Forms.
For governorship aspirants, the fees were fixed at N10 million and N20 million, while presidential aspirants will pay N20 million for Expression of Interest Forms and N40 million for Nomination Forms.
The party, however, granted concessions to female aspirants and persons living with disabilities, who are to pay 50 per cent and 25 per cent of the approved fees across all categories.
The NDC said the measures were part of efforts to produce credible and competent candidates for the 2027 general elections.