ADC Releases 2026 Primary Timetable, Reveals Nomination Form Cost

The African Democratic Congress has shared the full schedule for its 2026 primary elections. The timetable covers dates for buying forms, screening, appeals, and voting for all positions.

In a statement on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said aspirants can buy nomination forms from May 5 to May 10, 2026. They must return completed forms between May 11 and May 13.

The party will screen aspirants on May 14 and 15. Screening results will be published on May 17. Aspirants who want to appeal can do so from May 18 to May 19. The final list of cleared candidates will be released on May 20.

Primaries will start on May 21, 2026. On that day, elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats will all hold at the ward level. The governorship primary is set for May 22. The presidential primary will take place on May 25.

After the primaries, the party will hold a National Executive Committee meeting on May 26. A Special National Convention to ratify the results will follow on May 27, 2026.

The ADC also fixed the cost of nomination forms. The presidential form is N100 million. Governorship is N50 million. Senate is N20 million. House of Representatives is N10 million. State House of Assembly is N3 million.

With these prices, the ADC is now the second party after the ruling All Progressives Congress to charge N100 million for president and N50 million for governor.

To encourage more people to run, the party cut fees for some groups. Young people will pay half the price. Women and persons with disabilities will get a 25 percent discount.

Abdullahi asked all members, stakeholders, and aspirants to follow the timetable and rules closely.

The timetable comes as the ADC still faces a leadership crisis. A recent Supreme Court decision reinstated the faction led by former Senate President David Mark. But the party remains divided. There are ongoing disputes, expulsions, and court cases over congresses and conventions.

Some top opposition figures may leave the party. They are unhappy with the primary process and control of party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.