The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared that candidates wishing to run for president on the party’s platform in 2027 can no longer purchase Expression of Interest forms.
However, the party extended the time from May 17 to May 24, 2026, for the gathering of Expression of Interest forms for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly.
Ikenna Enekweizu, the party’s national secretary, reportedly confirmed the incident in a statement released in Abuja on Monday.
The statement states that candidates who have purchased and filled out their Expression of Interest Forms will be screened starting on Tuesday and ending on May 26.
The party also said that all candidates who have been inspected and cleared will have their nomination forms collected and returned starting on Wednesday and ending on May 26.
The NDC urged all candidates to adhere scrupulously to the party’s rules and schedule, warning that no more extensions will be given beyond the new deadline.
“All applicants are advised to strictly adhere to the stipulated timelines, as no further extension shall be granted beyond the approved deadline,” the notification stated.
All candidates were instructed by the party to show up for screening and pre-qualification interviews at specific locations around the nation.
It stated that candidates must bring pertinent documentation, such as curriculum vitae, voter identity cards, passport photos, birth certificates or declarations of age, and educational credentials.
The party further stated that six copies of each document must be supplied.
The NDC clarified that the electorate’s preferences, regional quirks, candidates’ ability, competence, and character would all be taken into consideration throughout the screening process.
It further said that the party’s affirmative action policy for women, young people, and people with disabilities will be taken into account by the Screening Committee.
In an effort to foster unity and lessen internal divisions prior to the elections, the party also urged candidates to embrace consensus-building.
It emphasized that only candidates who passed the screening process would be able to buy nomination forms.
