The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has released its timetable for the conduct of its 2026 primary elections, outlining key dates for nomination, screening, appeals, and primaries across various elective posts.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
According to the statement, “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 ADC said appeals will be heard between May 18 and May 19, 2026, while the final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 20, 2026.
It added, “Primary elections will commence on May 21, 2026, with elections for state houses of assembly, house of representatives, and senate seats held 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.”
This will be followed by a National Executive Committee meeting on May 26, 2026, and a Special National Convention on May 27, 2026, at which final ratifications will be made.
The ADC also proposed a cost mechanism for nomination forms in elective seats.
According to the party, “The presidential nomination form is pegged 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 ADC is the second party, after the ruling All Progressives Congress, to charge N100 million and N50 million for presidential and governorship candidacy forms, respectively.
To encourage wider involvement, the party announced concessional pricing, including a 50% discount for minors and a 25% reduction for women and people with disabilities.
The party asked members, stakeholders, and aspirants to rigorously follow the timetable and procedures.
The announcement comes while the ADC is dealing with a protracted leadership crisis.
Former Senate President David Mark’s group was reinstated by a recent Supreme Court verdict, but the party is still plagued by internal conflicts, factional expulsions, and legal problems related to congresses and conventions.
Key opposition members are considering stepping down amid disagreements over primary formats and control ahead of the 2027 elections.
