The Nigeria Democratic Congress has closed the sale of Expression of Interest Forms for aspirants seeking the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, drawing a clear line under the first phase of its nomination process.

In a statement signed by the National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, in Abuja, the party confirmed that while the presidential window has shut, other categories remain open for an extended period. Aspirants for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and Governorship positions now have until May 24, 2026, to obtain their Expression of Interest Forms, following a one-week extension of the original deadline.

The party outlined a tight schedule for the next steps. Screening of all aspirants who have purchased and completed the Expression of Interest Forms will commence on Tuesday and run through May 26. Only those who successfully scale this screening will be allowed to proceed to the next stage of the process.

According to the statement, the collection and return of Nomination Forms for all screened and cleared aspirants will begin on Wednesday and also close on May 26, underscoring the party’s insistence on a compressed and disciplined timetable. The NDC warned that no further extension would be granted beyond the announced deadlines and urged all aspirants to adhere strictly to the guidelines.

Aspirants have been directed to appear for screening and pre-qualification interviews at designated venues nationwide with a full set of documents. These include educational certificates, birth certificate or declaration of age, recent passport photographs, voter’s identification card, NDC membership card, and a detailed curriculum vitae. Each document must be submitted in six copies to facilitate verification and record-keeping.

The party said the screening process would go beyond paperwork, focusing on the wishes of the electorate, local peculiarities, and the proven capacity, competence, and character of each aspirant. The Screening Committee has also been mandated to apply the NDC’s affirmative action policy, giving due consideration to women, youths, and persons living with disabilities.

The NDC encouraged aspirants to pursue consensus-building where possible, signalling a preference for negotiated unity over fractious primaries. It emphasized that only those cleared at the screening stage would be eligible to purchase Nomination Forms, effectively making the vetting exercise the decisive gateway to the party’s tickets.