The interim National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Turaki, has approved the timetable and nomination guidelines for the party’s 2026 pre-election activities ahead of its primaries.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the party’s Interim National Working Committee, detailing the schedule and associated costs for aspirants across various elective positions.
According to the statement, the sale of Expression of Interest and nomination forms will commence on May 5 and close on May 13, 2026. Submission of completed forms is slated for May 14, while screening of aspirants will take place between May 15 and May 18.
Screening appeals are scheduled for May 21, followed by the publication of cleared aspirants on May 22. Ward primaries for all offices will hold on May 27, with appeals arising from the primaries set for May 28.
The NEC is expected to meet on May 29 to approve all nominated candidates, while a special convention for the ratification of candidates will be held on May 30, 2026.
The party also released the cost structure for nomination processes. Aspirants for State House of Assembly seats are to pay ₦500,000 for Expression of Interest and ₦1.5 million for nomination forms. For the House of Representatives, the fees are ₦2 million and ₦5 million respectively, while Senate aspirants will pay ₦3 million and ₦7 million.
Governorship aspirants are required to pay ₦5 million for Expression of Interest and ₦35 million for nomination, bringing the total to ₦40 million. Presidential aspirants face the highest cost, with ₦10 million for Expression of Interest and ₦90 million for nomination forms, totaling ₦100 million.
In a move aimed at promoting inclusivity, the PDP announced that female aspirants will be exempted from paying for nomination forms and will only be required to purchase the Expression of Interest forms. Additionally, youths and persons living with disabilities are entitled to a 50 per cent discount on nomination forms for all offices.
The party said the approved timetable and guidelines are part of its preparations to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible primary election process ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle.
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