ADC Fixes Primary Dates, Sets Presidential Form At N100m
The African Democratic Congress has unveiled its schedule for the 2026 primary elections, setting out timelines for nomination, screening, appeals, and voting across elective offices as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace.
Details of the timetable were contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
According to the party, “the sale of nomination forms will take place from May 5 to May 10, 2026, while the submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 11 to May 13, 2026.
“Screening of aspirants will take place from May 14 to May 15, 2026, followed by the publication of screening results on May 17, 2026.”
The party added that appeals will be entertained between May 18 and May 19, with the final list of cleared aspirants to be released on May 20, 2026.
“Primary elections will commence on May 21, 2026, with elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats holding simultaneously at the ward level.
“The Governorship primaries will take place on May 22, 2026, while the Presidential Primary is scheduled for May 25, 2026,” the statement read.
The process will conclude with a National Executive Committee meeting on May 26, followed by a Special National Convention on May 27, where final ratifications are expected.
Alongside the timetable, the party announced nomination fees for aspirants seeking elective positions. The presidential form is priced at N100 million, governorship at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, House of Representatives at N10 million, and State House of Assembly at N3 million.
The pricing structure places the ADC among parties with the highest nomination costs, aligning its presidential and governorship fees with those earlier set by the ruling All Progressives Congress.
To widen participation, the party introduced concessions, offering a 50 per cent discount for youths and a 25 per cent reduction for women and persons with disabilities.
Party officials urged members, stakeholders, and aspirants to adhere strictly to the outlined timetable and guidelines.
The announcement comes amid ongoing internal challenges within the party. A recent Supreme Court ruling reinstated the faction led by former Senate President David Mark, but divisions persist, with reports of expulsions, disputes over congresses, and legal disagreements affecting preparations.
Uncertainty also surrounds the future of some opposition figures, with indications that disagreements over primary processes and leadership control could trigger defections ahead of the 2027 elections.