The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially closed the sale and collection of its Expression of Interest Forms for the presidential position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the party has extended the deadline for the collection of Expression of Interest Forms for other key elective positions, giving aspirants an additional one week to complete the process.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the new deadline has been moved from 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, to 12:00 midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The extension applies to aspirants contesting for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship positions.
Despite the extension, the party made it clear that the presidential Expression of Interest Forms are no longer available, signaling the close of entries for the top office.
According to the timetable released by the NDC, screening of aspirants who have completed their forms will begin on Tuesday, May 19, and end on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The party also disclosed that the collection and submission of nomination forms for screened and cleared aspirants will run from May 20 to May 26, 2026.
The NDC warned that no further extension would be granted beyond the new deadline and urged aspirants to strictly comply with all timelines and requirements.
“All aspirants are expected to appear for screening and pre-qualification interviews at designated venues across the country with relevant documents,” the statement said.
The party outlined key requirements for the screening process, including submission of educational certificates, birth certificate or declaration of age, passport photographs, voter’s card, party membership card, and curriculum vitae.
It further stated that all documents must be submitted in six copies to the screening committee.
According to the party, screening will be based on several factors, including the wishes of the electorate, local dynamics, competence, capacity, and the character of aspirants.
The NDC also directed the screening committee to factor in its affirmative action policy for women, youths, and persons living with disabilities.
Additionally, the party encouraged aspirants to explore consensus arrangements, noting that only those who successfully pass the screening process will be eligible to purchase nomination forms.
What You Should Know
The NDC’s decision to close presidential forms while extending deadlines for other positions suggests that the party has likely finalized its pool of presidential contenders, shifting focus to legislative and gubernatorial races.
Deadline extensions are often strategic, allowing more aspirants to complete requirements and boosting participation across different regions. The emphasis on screening criteria such as competence, character, and local dynamics reflects an attempt to strengthen candidate quality.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of affirmative action signals the party’s effort to promote broader representation, especially among women, youths, and persons with disabilities ahead of the 2027 elections.
