By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced an extension of the deadline for the collection of Expression of Interest Forms for aspirants seeking elective offices ahead of the party’s 2026 political activities, shifting the closing date from Sunday, May 17, to Sunday, May 24, 2026.
In a statement issued by the party, the extension applies to aspirants vying for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and Governorship positions, giving prospective contestants an additional week to complete the process. However, the party clarified that the window for the Office of the President has officially closed.
The party stated: “The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) hereby informs all aspirants and the general public that the deadline for the collection of Expression of Interest Forms for the State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and Governorship positions, earlier scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, 17th May, 2026, has been extended to 12:00 midnight on Sunday, 24th May, 2026.”
According to the timetable released by the party, screening of aspirants who have already purchased and completed their Expression of Interest Forms will begin on Tuesday, May 19 and end on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:00 p.m. The process for collection and submission of Nomination Forms for aspirants who successfully scale screening and clearance will commence on Wednesday, May 20 and close on Tuesday, May 26.
Signed by Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu Esq., National Secretary, the statement stressed that aspirants must comply strictly with all timelines, warning that no further extension would be entertained after the new closing date.
The party further directed all aspirants to attend screening and pre-qualification interviews at designated centres nationwide with required documents including educational certificates, birth certificate or declaration of age, four recent passport photographs, voter identification card, NDC membership card and copies of their curriculum vitae. Each document is expected to be submitted in six copies.
The NDC explained that screening would not be based solely on documentation but would also consider broader political and leadership considerations. The party listed criteria including “the wishes of the electorate, local peculiarities, capacity and competence of aspirants, and character.” It also reminded the Screening Committee to observe its affirmative action policy for women, youths and persons living with disabilities.
Political observers believe the extension may create room for more aspirants still struggling to complete internal requirements or negotiate alliances before the party’s selection process advances. It may also increase consultations and consensus-building efforts among contenders, especially in highly competitive states and constituencies.
The development comes amid growing political activity across parties as aspirants continue positioning themselves ahead of upcoming contests. The extension is likely to reshape calculations for some hopefuls while giving undecided figures additional time to enter the race.
