Fresh political tension is building as the Nigeria Democratic Congress unveils expensive nomination fees and a new voting system ahead of the 2027 elections.
The political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections is already heating up after the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) officially fixed its presidential nomination and expression of interest forms at a staggering N60 million.
The party also announced that its presidential primary election will hold on May 29, 2026, in Abuja, as aspirants begin preparations for what is expected to become one of the most competitive election cycles in recent Nigerian history.
According to the timetable released by the party leadership, presidential hopefuls are expected to pay N20 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N40 million for the Nomination Form. Governorship aspirants will pay N30 million, while Senate and House of Representatives aspirants are expected to pay N8 million and N6 million respectively.
The party also disclosed that it would adopt an “open secret ballot” system during its primaries, a move it says is aimed at improving transparency and internal democracy within the party structure. Screening of aspirants is expected to begin immediately after the close of form sales.
Interestingly, the NDC said female aspirants and persons living with disabilities would enjoy discounted nomination fees as part of efforts to encourage inclusiveness in Nigerian politics. Political observers, however, say the huge cost of forms may once again raise concerns about money politics and elite dominance ahead of 2027.
The announcement has already triggered reactions across social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether ordinary citizens still have a realistic path into national leadership without massive financial backing.