NDC Pegs Presidential Form At N60m
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has set the price of entry for the 2027 presidency at N60 million. National Chairman Moses Cleopas announced the schedule for the party primaries on Tuesday in Abuja. Aspirants must act quickly to secure their place. The sale of forms begins on 13 May and closes just five days later. This brisk pace suggests a party keen to settle its internal hierarchy well before the general election cycle heats up. The NDC claims its fees are modest, yet they remain a steep barrier for the average citizen.
Aspiring presidents must pay N20 million for an expression of interest form and N40 million for the nomination form. Lower offices carry lighter but still significant price tags. A seat in the Senate costs N8 million, while a governorship run requires N30 million. These figures reflect the high cost of political relevance in Nigeria. The party offers a discount to women and persons living with disabilities. Female candidates pay half the standard rate. Those with disabilities pay only a quarter.
The primary elections will follow a tight, ten-day schedule starting with screenings on 21 May. National Assembly and presidential hopefuls must travel to the Abuja headquarters for vetting. State assembly candidates will undergo checks in their respective states. The party expects all participants to sign a formal code of conduct. This undertaking aims to prevent the usual post-primary litigation that plagues Nigerian politics. Cleopas insists these rules will ensure only competent candidates reach the ballot.
The party plans to use an “open secret ballot” system for the voting process. This method allows observers to see who a delegate supports, supposedly to prevent bribery and fraud. It is a controversial choice that often exposes voters to intimidation from party bosses. The NDC argues it is the only way to guarantee a credible result. Internal democracy in Nigeria is often a performative affair. By choosing this system, the NDC signals a preference for transparency over voter privacy.
Appeals from the screening process will take place on 25 and 26 May. The party has scheduled the state and National Assembly primaries for the two days following. The entire exercise reaches its climax on 29 May with the presidential primary in Abuja. This date carries historical weight as the traditional day for handovers of power. The NDC is clearly attempting to frame its selection process as a national event. It wants to appear ready for government long before the first vote is cast.
Economic reality looms over these political ambitions. While the NDC claims its fees are among the lowest, N60 million is a fortune in a struggling economy. Critics argue that high nomination fees turn political parties into private clubs for the wealthy. The party defends the cost as necessary for administrative expenses and campaign logistics. However, it reinforces the idea that the presidency is a commodity. For now, the NDC has put a clear price on its highest ambition.