The African Democratic Congress has officially released its timetable for the conduct of its 2026 primary elections, setting the stage for internal party contests ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections and unveiling a detailed schedule that outlines the full nomination process.
According to the party, the sale of nomination forms will commence on May 5 and run through May 10, 2026, marking the first phase of the selection process for aspirants seeking to contest under its platform.
Completed forms are expected to be submitted between May 11 and May 13, after which screening of candidates will take place from May 14 to May 15.
The party further disclosed that the results of the screening exercise will be published on May 17, while appeals from dissatisfied aspirants will be entertained between May 18 and May 19.
The final list of cleared candidates is scheduled for release on May 20, 2026.
Primary elections across various elective positions will begin on May 21, starting with contests for State Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.
Governorship primaries are slated for May 22, while the presidential primary election is scheduled to hold on May 25, 2026.
Following the conclusion of the primaries, the party will convene a National Executive Committee meeting on May 26, leading into a Special National Convention on May 27, where final ratifications of candidates are expected to take place.
In addition to the timetable, the ADC also announced the cost of nomination forms for various positions, with the presidential form pegged at ₦100 million.
Governorship aspirants are required to pay ₦50 million, while Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly forms are priced at ₦20 million, ₦10 million, and ₦3 million respectively.
The pricing structure places the ADC among political parties with high entry costs for top positions, reflecting the financial demands associated with contesting major elections in Nigeria.
Political analysts note that the early release of the timetable signals the party’s intention to position itself strategically ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as opposition parties continue to reorganize and form alliances.
The announcement comes at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is becoming increasingly active, with multiple parties unveiling their schedules and preparing for primaries in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s guidelines.
For aspirants, the timetable provides a clear roadmap of activities, enabling them to plan their campaigns, complete documentation, and navigate the internal processes required to secure party tickets.
However, the high cost of nomination forms, especially for the presidential position, has once again sparked discussions around the affordability of political participation and the potential barriers it creates for younger or less financially resourced candidates.
Critics argue that such fees could limit inclusivity and reduce the diversity of candidates, while supporters maintain that the costs help ensure that only serious contenders enter the race.
Within the broader political context, the ADC’s move reflects growing momentum toward the 2027 elections, with parties intensifying preparations, conducting internal reforms, and positioning key figures for potential candidacies.
The timetable also highlights the structured nature of Nigeria’s electoral process, where internal party primaries serve as a critical step in determining candidates before the general elections.
As the schedule unfolds, attention will be focused on how smoothly the process is conducted, the level of participation among aspirants, and the ability of the party to manage internal competition effectively.
Ultimately, the release of the timetable and nomination fees marks a significant milestone in the pre-election calendar, signaling that the race toward 2027 is gaining momentum and that political activities across parties are entering a more active phase.