ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) announced on Sunday a detailed timetable for its 2026 primary elections and set nomination fees for all elective positions. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, released the schedule and fee structure in a statement to the press.
The ADC fixed the presidential nomination fee at N100 million, governorship at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, and House of Representatives at N10 million. State House of Assembly tickets will cost N3 million each. To broaden participation, the party introduced concessionary rates: a 50 percent discount for youth candidates and a 25 percent discount for women and persons with disabilities.
According to the timetable, application forms will be collected from 1 April to 4 May 2026. The sale of nomination forms is slated for 5 May to 10 May, with completed forms to be submitted between 11 May and 13 May. Screening of aspirants will take place on 14 May and 15 May, and results will be published on 17 May. Appeals are scheduled for 18 May and 19 May, after which the final list of cleared candidates will be released on 20 May.
Primary elections for State Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and Senate seats will be held concurrently on 21 May. Governorship primaries are set for 22 May, and the presidential primary will occur on 25 May. The party’s National Executive Committee meeting is planned for 26 May, followed by a Special National Convention on 27 May.
Abdullahi emphasized that the timetable underscores the ADC’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and strict compliance with the party constitution and the Electoral Act. He urged all aspirants, party members, and stakeholders to adhere to the schedule to ensure a credible and people‑focused nomination process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC’s structured fee regime and discounted rates aim to encourage a wider pool of candidates while maintaining financial discipline. The party’s adherence to a clear calendar positions it to manage the nomination process efficiently and to present a unified slate of candidates for the upcoming national elections.
