By Franklin Adole
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), struggling to steady itself after a wave of high-profile defections that have shaken its ranks, has announced its timetable for the 2026 primary elections, setting its presidential nomination form at N100 million.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the schedule would commence with the sale of nomination forms from May 5 to May 10, 2026.
The announcement comes at a delicate moment for the party, which this weekend lost key political figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, in a development widely seen as a setback to its ambition of leading a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite the turbulence, Abdullahi said the timetable reflects the ADC’s commitment to internal democracy, orderliness, and strict compliance with electoral guidelines.
According to the schedule, submission of completed nomination forms will take place from May 11 to May 13, while screening of aspirants is fixed for May 14 and May 15.
The party is expected to publish screening results on May 17, followed by an appeals window from May 18 to May 19. The final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 20.
Primary elections will begin on May 21 with contests for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats held simultaneously at the ward level. Governorship primaries are slated for May 22, while the presidential primary will take place on May 25.
The process will culminate in a National Executive Committee meeting on May 26 and a Special National Convention on May 27, where final ratifications are expected.
The party also unveiled a structured fee regime for aspirants, pegging the presidential nomination form 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.
In a bid to broaden participation, the ADC announced concessions, offering a 50 per cent discount for youths and a 25 per cent reduction for women and persons with disabilities.
Observers say the timetable is a test of the party’s resilience as it seeks to project stability and organisational capacity in the wake of recent internal disruptions. With its earlier coalition ambitions now uncertain, the ADC appears focused on consolidating its structures and reassuring members of its readiness for the electoral contest ahead.
The party urged members, stakeholders, and aspirants to adhere strictly to the outlined schedule, emphasising the need for discipline and unity as it navigates a challenging political landscape.