NDC ends sale of presidential form
The newly formed opposition coalition party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has officially closed the sale of its Expression of Interest forms for presidential aspirants looking to clinch the party’s ticket for the 2027 general elections.
The deadline elapsed today, Monday, May 18, 2026, in strict compliance with the fast-tracked primary election timetable released by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The Quick-Fire Timetable Alignment
The closure of the presidential form window marks the official conclusion of the first administrative phase for the NDC's top-tier ticket. According to the guidelines jointly signed by National Chairman Senator Moses Zuwoghe and National Secretary Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu:
Window Closed: The sale of Expression of Interest forms ran for exactly six days, opening on Wednesday, May 13, and wrapping up today, May 18.
What Comes Next (Screening): Attention now shifts immediately to the mandatory screening and interview phase, scheduled to run from Tuesday, May 19, to Thursday, May 21, 2026. This exercise will take place exclusively at the NDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
Final Nomination Phase: Only presidential aspirants who successfully clear the three-day screening exercise will be cleared to proceed with purchasing the formal Nomination Forms, which will be available from May 21 to May 23, 2026.
The N60 Million Ticket & Zonal Dynamics
The NDC—which was founded under the guidance of former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson—has quickly positioned itself as a heavyweight alternative platform, recently absorbing key political forces like former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and ex-NNPP flagbearer Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The Cost: The party pegged its presidential ticket at a combined fee of ₦60 million (₦20 million for the Expression of Interest form and ₦40 million for the Nomination form). Despite criticism over the high financial barriers in Nigerian politics, the NDC defended the price, noting it remains significantly lower than what the ruling APC or main opposition PDP are charging.
Zoning Policy: The conclusion of the form sales follows a critical decision made during the party’s inaugural national convention on May 9, where the NDC officially resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.
Extension for Other Elective Posts?
While the window for the highest office in the land has slammed shut today, the party leadership reportedly left room for slight extensions regarding legislative positions (Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly) in specific state chapters to accommodate the heavy influx of defectors and grassroots aspirants trying to beat the clock.
Barring any last-minute adjustments by the NWC, the NDC is on track to hold its highly anticipated Presidential Primary Election on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Abuja, where it will utilize an "open-secret ballot" system to pick its 2027 standard-bearer.
