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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its reviewed timetable for the conduct of party congresses, primaries, and national convention, setting in motion a comprehensive internal electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In separate correspondences dated April 15, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of INEC at the Commission’s national headquarters in Abuja, the party leadership conveyed both the adjustment of previously scheduled congress activities and the official notice for its primaries. The communications were jointly signed by the National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, and the National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu.
The party explained that the decisions followed the outcome of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on March 25, 2026, which was duly monitored by INEC. At that meeting, the draft timetable for congresses, primaries, and the national convention was presented and adopted, forming the basis for subsequent notifications to the electoral body.
However, the NDC noted that, in its “best interest,” it undertook a review of the earlier dates communicated for the congresses and convention. Consequently, the party issued a fresh notice outlining the rescheduled activities and requested INEC to deploy its officials to monitor the exercises in line with statutory requirements.
According to the revised timetable, the party’s internal processes commenced with an ongoing e-registration and membership drive, in compliance with relevant provisions guiding party membership records. The issuance of a 21-day statutory notice to INEC was effected on March 26, 2026, followed by notification to state chapters on March 27, 2026.
The membership e-registration is scheduled to close at noon on April 29, 2026, with the mandatory submission of the party’s register to INEC fixed for the same date, pursuant to the Electoral Act provisions.
The congresses are set to begin on May 1, 2026, starting with ward congresses across all polling units and communities nationwide. This will be followed by Local Government Area congresses on May 2, state congresses on May 4, and zonal congresses on May 6. The process will culminate in the party’s National Convention on May 9, 2026, where national officers are expected to emerge.
In a parallel development, the party also issued a formal notice for the conduct of its primaries to elect candidates for various elective offices. The primaries are scheduled to begin later in the month, with State Assembly primaries slated for May 22, 2026, followed by National Assembly primaries on May 24, and governorship primaries on May 25.
The primaries process will conclude with a separate National Convention on May 29, 2026, where candidates are expected to be ratified in accordance with party guidelines and electoral regulations.
The NDC emphasized that all activities were designed in compliance with the Electoral Act and conducted under the supervision of INEC, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and due process in its internal democratic mechanisms.
By formally communicating both the revised congress schedule and the primaries timetable, the party has effectively signaled its readiness to participate in the 2027 electoral cycle, while also positioning its structures nationwide for a coordinated and monitored transition from internal party elections to the general electoral contest.
The development underscores increasing political activity among emerging parties as preparations intensify across the country, with timelines and compliance with regulatory frameworks becoming central to electoral credibility and institutional legitimacy.
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