By Amarachi Jim-Nwoko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – In a move aimed at easing the financial burden on contestants, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that only aspirants who emerge victorious in its ongoing primaries for the 2027 general elections will be required to pay nomination fees.
The party’s National Leader, Henry Seriake Dickson, disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday after a joint meeting of the National Working Committee, Selection Committee, and Screening Committee.
Dickson said the decision was reached following extensive deliberations involving key party stakeholders, including National Chairman Moses Zuwoghe, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, and other senior officials.
According to him, all aspirants who purchased Expression of Interest forms will be allowed to participate in the primaries across their respective constituencies, while only successful candidates will proceed to the party secretariat for documentation and payment of nomination fees.
He explained that the measure became necessary due to time constraints and the large number of aspirants seeking to contest on the party’s platform.
Dickson commended the Screening Committee, chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu, for what he described as its diligence in handling the screening process nationwide.
The NDC primaries are scheduled to hold across the country between May 28 and May 29, 2026, with teams of senior party officials already deployed to supervise the exercise.
He urged all committees to ensure transparency and fairness, while also encouraging greater accommodation for women and youth aspirants with strong electoral prospects.
The former Bayelsa State governor reiterated the party’s zero tolerance for violence, warning that any aspirant or supporter involved in intimidation, threats, or disorderly conduct would face disciplinary action.
Dickson also revealed that although the party had planned to deploy an electronic voting system for the primaries, logistical challenges and limited time made full implementation impossible.
He, however, assured party members that future primaries would be conducted electronically to enhance transparency and reduce complaints.
The party had earlier announced its nomination fee structure, with presidential aspirants expected to pay ₦60 million, governorship aspirants ₦30 million, Senate aspirants ₦8 million, House of Representatives aspirants ₦6 million, and State House of Assembly aspirants ₦2.5 million.
Female aspirants will receive a 50 per cent discount, while persons living with disabilities will pay only 25 per cent of the stipulated fees.
