NDC: Only Successful Primary Candidates Will Pay Nomination Fees, Says Dickson

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, announced that only candidates who win the party’s primaries will be required to pay nomination fees and complete the necessary documentation.

Dickson made the statement on his verified X account on Wednesday.

The decision was reached during a joint meeting attended by NDC National Chairman Cleopas Moses, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), and the Selection Committee.

“Following a briefing at the joint meeting of the Selection Committee and the Screening Committee, and in view of the constraints of time, it was decided that all those who purchased Expression of Interest Forms would be allowed to participate in the primaries in their various constituencies,” Dickson said. “Only successful candidates will report to the party secretariat for documentation and, in the process, pay for nomination forms and complete other necessary forms.”

“The teams for the primaries have been selected, comprising senior officials of the party, and have been deployed to every state to conduct the exercise with the support of stakeholders and local leaders. We wish them success in this important assignment,” the statement added.

The former Bayelsa State governor, who highlighted the party’s commitment to women and youth, urged the primary teams to focus on aspirants with the capacity to win elections.

According to him, the primaries will take place on May 28 and 29, and aspirants must use their Expression of Interest Forms to participate.

He also announced the creation of an appeal panel to handle complaints arising from the primaries.

He said direct primaries for state assembly positions will be held at the constituency level, while House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential affirmations will occur at local government headquarters.