JUST IN: ADC releases 2026 primaries timetable, pegs presidential nomination fee at ₦100 million

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress has released its timetable for the conduct of the party’s 2026 primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, outlining schedules for nomination processes, screening of aspirants and primary polls across all elective offices.

In a statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the timetable reflects its commitment to internal democracy, orderliness and compliance with electoral guidelines.

According to the party, the sale of nomination forms will take place from May 5 to May 10, 2026, while submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 11 to May 13, 2026.

The party said screening of aspirants would hold between May 14 and May 15, followed by the publication of screening results on May 17, 2026. Appeals arising from the screening exercise are expected to be heard from May 18 to May 19, while the final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 20, 2026.

Under the primary election schedule, elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate seats are scheduled to hold simultaneously on May 21, 2026, at the ward level through either direct primaries or consensus arrangements.

The governorship primaries are fixed for May 22, while the presidential primary election will take place on May 25, 2026.

The party also scheduled a meeting of its National Executive Committee for May 26, to be followed by a Special National Convention on May 27, where final ratifications are expected to be made.

In the detailed timetable signed by Chinedu Udeigo, the party fixed the cost of nomination forms for various elective positions.

According to the document, the presidential nomination form will cost ₦100 million, governorship forms ₦50 million, Senate forms ₦20 million, House of Representatives forms ₦10 million, while State House of Assembly forms were pegged at ₦3 million.

The party said it had also introduced concessionary rates aimed at encouraging broader participation, with youths eligible for a 50 per cent discount, while women and persons with disabilities would receive a 25 per cent reduction in nomination fees. ADC urged members, stakeholders and aspirants to strictly adhere to the approved timetable and guidelines throughout the primary election process.