2027: NDC Reschedules Primary Election Timetable

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its primaries for the 2027 general elections will now take place nationwide on May 29, 2026.

The party disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, clarifying arrangements for its presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly primaries. The statement, signed by the National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, and the National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Alex-Morgan, reaffirmed that the exercise remains aligned with the original timetable of May 28 and 29, 2026.

However, the party explained that adjustments became necessary due to the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, which have led to public holidays, transportation disruptions, and logistical challenges, including flight unavailability. It further noted that several aspirants and members of screening committees who travelled to Abuja for the screening exercise are currently stranded.

As part of the revised arrangement, the NDC stated that May 28 will now be dedicated to arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, as well as consultations, stakeholder engagements, and final preparations. The actual primaries will be conducted on May 29.

The party also directed that no security agencies, including the Police, INEC, and the Department of State Services (DSS), are to participate in activities scheduled for May 28, warning that any unauthorized involvement would be considered illegal.

It further outlined that the primaries on May 29 will proceed in sequence, beginning with presidential affirmation, followed by National Assembly, state assembly, and governorship primaries or affirmations. The party added that all results will be collated and transmitted to the national headquarters for announcement by the National Working Committee, stressing that no state-level executive or committee is authorized to declare results. The NDC also urged members and stakeholders to maintain order, warning that it maintains zero tolerance for violence, hooliganism, or disorderly conduct.