The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced an extension of the deadline for the collection of Expression of Interest forms for its ongoing 2026 electoral primaries, in a move aimed at giving more aspirants additional time to complete registration processes ahead of screening.
The update affects aspirants contesting for positions in the State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and Governorship offices across the country.
However, the party confirmed that the Expression of Interest process for the Office of the President has officially closed.
New Deadline Set for May 24, 2026
According to a press statement issued by the party, the previous deadline of 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, has now been extended to 12:00 midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The party said the extension was necessary to accommodate more aspirants and ensure wider participation in the internal democratic process.
The NDC emphasized that no further extension would be granted beyond the new deadline, urging all aspirants to comply strictly with the updated timeline.
Screening to Begin Immediately After Deadline
The party also confirmed that screening of aspirants who have purchased and completed their Expression of Interest forms will begin on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and will run until Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
The screening exercise is expected to assess candidates’ eligibility, competence, and alignment with the party’s internal guidelines ahead of nomination.
Officials say the process will help ensure that only qualified and credible aspirants proceed to the nomination stage.
Nomination Forms Schedule Released
In addition to the deadline extension, the party announced the schedule for the collection and return of Nomination Forms.
According to the statement:
- Collection and return of Nomination Forms will begin on Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- The process will close on Tuesday, May 26, 2026
The party clarified that only aspirants who successfully pass the screening stage will be eligible to purchase nomination forms.
Presidential Expression of Interest Closed
A major highlight of the announcement is the closure of Expression of Interest submissions for the presidential ticket.
The NDC stated that no further applications for the office of President will be accepted, signaling the conclusion of that phase of the party’s internal selection process.
Political observers say this development indicates that the party may already be preparing to focus attention on a smaller pool of presidential contenders ahead of primaries.
Mandatory Documents for Screening
All aspirants have been directed to appear for screening and pre-qualification interviews at designated venues across the country.
They are required to present the following documents:
- Educational certificates
- Birth certificate or declaration of age
- Four recent passport photographs
- Copy of voter’s identification card
- NDC membership card
- Copy of Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The party stressed that all documents must be submitted in six copies each, warning that failure to comply could affect eligibility.
Screening Criteria Outlined
The Nigeria Democratic Congress outlined the key criteria that will guide the screening process.
According to the statement, aspirants will be evaluated based on:
- The wishes of the electorate
- Local political and social peculiarities
- Capacity and competence of aspirants
- Character and integrity
Party officials say these criteria are designed to ensure that only credible and electable candidates emerge ahead of the 2026 primaries.
Affirmative Action Policy Highlighted
The NDC also reaffirmed its commitment to affirmative action, instructing the Screening Committee to consider gender balance, youth inclusion, and representation of persons living with disabilities.
The party said this policy is aimed at promoting inclusivity and broadening participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Political analysts note that such provisions may help the party attract wider national support, especially among underrepresented groups.
Call for Consensus Building Among Aspirants
In its statement, the party encouraged aspirants to pursue consensus-building efforts where possible, in order to reduce internal conflicts and strengthen unity ahead of elections.
It also reiterated that only candidates cleared by the Screening Committee will be allowed to proceed to the nomination stage.
Observers say this approach may help the party streamline its primaries while reducing costly internal disputes.
Party Reaffirms Commitment to Internal Democracy
The Nigeria Democratic Congress emphasized that all aspirants must strictly adhere to the guidelines and timelines outlined in the notice.
It warned that failure to comply with the rules could lead to disqualification from the process.
Party officials described the exercise as part of efforts to strengthen internal democracy and build a transparent candidate selection system ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Political Significance of the Announcement
The extension of deadlines comes at a time when political parties across Nigeria are intensifying preparations for the 2026–2027 electoral cycle.
The NDC, which has positioned itself as an emerging political force, is expected to use the primaries to strengthen its national structure and attract high-profile candidates.
Analysts say the structured timeline reflects an attempt to project organizational discipline and credibility in a competitive political environment.
Signed Official Communication
The statement was signed by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, Esq., who reaffirmed the party’s commitment to due process and transparency.
As the screening and nomination process progresses, attention will now turn to how many aspirants meet the requirements and advance to the next stage of the NDC’s internal selection process.
