In a significant policy shift, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that only candidates who emerge victorious in its primaries will be required to pay nomination fees. This was disclosed by the party’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, via a statement on his verified X handle.
Dickson explained that the decision was reached during a joint meeting that included Cleopas Moses (national chairman), Peter Obi (presidential aspirant), members of the National Working Committee, and the selection committee.
He noted that due to time constraints, all individuals who purchased expression of interest forms will be allowed to contest in the primaries across their constituencies. Those who win will then proceed to the party secretariat for documentation and pay for nomination forms while completing other necessary paperwork.
The primaries are scheduled for May 28 and 29, with teams of senior party officials deployed to each state to oversee the exercise. Dickson urged these teams to focus on aspirants with strong electoral potential, emphasizing the party’s commitment to women and youth inclusion.
Additionally, Dickson announced the creation of an appeal panel to address any grievances arising from the primaries. He clarified that direct primaries for state assembly positions will occur at the constituency level, while House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential contests will take place at local government headquarters.