The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Sunday released its timetable and guidelines for conducting primary elections ahead of the 2026 general polls, signalling readiness despite ongoing internal challenges.

This announcement comes shortly after a Supreme Court ruling on the leadership disputes within the party, amid speculation that the crisis could hinder its ability to field candidates in the elections. However, the ADC appears to be pressing forward, fixing May 25 as the date for its presidential primary.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the schedule outlines a structured process aimed at ensuring transparency and compliance with electoral regulations. According to him, the sale of nomination forms will run from May 5 to May 10, 2026, while submission of completed forms is set for May 11 to May 13. Screening of aspirants will take place between May 14 and May 15, with results expected on May 17.

He added that appeals from aspirants will be handled between May 18 and May 19, while the final list of cleared candidates will be released on May 20. Primary elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate positions are scheduled to begin on May 21 at the ward level, followed by governorship primaries on May 22 and the presidential primary on May 25.

The process will conclude with a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee on May 26 and a Special National Convention on May 27, where final decisions and ratifications will be made.

Abdullahi also disclosed the approved fees for nomination forms across various positions, noting that the presidential form is priced 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. To promote inclusiveness, the party introduced discounted rates, offering a 50 percent reduction for youths and a 25 percent cut for women and persons with disabilities.

Meanwhile, the development is unfolding amid reports that prominent figures within the party, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may be considering a move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The possibility of their defection was confirmed by elder statesman Buba Galadima, who revealed that discussions with the new platform are already at an advanced stage.