What Aspirants Will Pay As NDC Releases 2027 Nomination Fees

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced the cost of its Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms ahead of the 2027 general elections, fixing the presidential form at N60 million and the governorship form at N30 million.

The party also unveiled its timetable for the conduct of primary elections and the sale of nomination forms for aspirants seeking elective positions under its platform.

According to a statement jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the sale of Expression of Interest Forms for all positions will commence on May 13, 2026, and end on May 18, 2026.

Under the arrangement released by the party, presidential aspirants are expected to pay N20 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N40 million for the Nomination Form, bringing the total cost to N60 million.

Governorship aspirants will pay N10 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N20 million for the Nomination Form, making a total of N30 million.

For National Assembly positions, senatorial aspirants are expected to pay N3 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N5 million for the Nomination Form, while House of Representatives aspirants will pay N2 million and N4 million respectively.

Aspirants seeking seats in State Houses of Assembly are to pay N1 million for the Expression of Interest Form and N1.5 million for the Nomination Form.

The party disclosed that screening and interviews for aspirants would hold between May 19 and May 21, after which successful aspirants would proceed to purchase Nomination Forms from May 21 to May 23.

Completed forms are expected to be submitted on or before May 25, while appeals arising from the screening process would be entertained between May 25 and May 26.

According to the timetable, primary elections for various elective offices are scheduled to hold on May 27 and May 28, while the presidential primary election will take place on May 29, 2026, in Abuja.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress further stated that governorship primaries would be conducted at the local government level, while screening exercises for National Assembly and presidential aspirants would take place at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

State assembly aspirants, however, are expected to undergo screening within their respective states.

The party added that all aspirants would be required to sign undertakings in line with its electoral guidelines and code of conduct.

It also announced the adoption of the “open secret ballot” system for its primaries, explaining that the method was aimed at strengthening transparency, fairness, and internal democracy during delegate voting.

The party assured members and aspirants of a credible and inclusive process capable of producing competent candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

It further noted that its nomination fees remain among the lowest compared to those charged by some major political parties in Nigeria.

The party also announced concessions for women and persons living with disabilities, stating that female aspirants would pay only 50 percent of the approved fees, while persons living with disabilities would enjoy a 75 percent waiver across all categories.

What Colleagues, Fans Are Saying Following Reported Death Of Alexx Ekubo

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following reports of the death of popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo at the age of 40.

According to The Sun Nigeria, the actor reportedly passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, after battling cancer for several months. Family sources quoted by the newspaper disclosed that the actor had been ill for a prolonged period before his death.

The report has since triggered an outpouring of tributes across social media, with actors, entertainers, public figures, and fans expressing shock and sadness over the development.

In recent months, concerns had reportedly grown among followers after Ekubo became largely absent from social media and public appearances. Reports also noted that his last Instagram post was made in December 2024 around the same period discussions emerged surrounding the end of his engagement to US-based model Fancy Acholonu.

Reacting to the news, actress Funke Akindele shared an emotional tribute, stating that she had hoped to see the actor again before his passing and describing him as a cherished friend.

Actor Bolanle Ninalowo also mourned the late movie star while singer Peter Okoye simply wrote “RIP” in reaction to the reports.

Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo described the news as deeply painful, stating that Ekubo’s life and legacy would continue to be remembered within the entertainment industry.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also paid tribute to the actor, describing him as a rare talent and recalling one of his memorable performances.

Broadcaster Oseni Rufai and actor Godwin Nnadiekwe equally expressed shock over the development, with Nnadiekwe describing the loss as heartbreaking.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong stated that Ekubo’s impact on Nollywood would continue to inspire younger actors and entertainers.

Before his reported death, the actor had occasionally responded to conversations surrounding his personal life and marital status, stating in one of his posts that he remained focused on building his career and financial stability.

Alexx Ekubo rose to prominence through several successful Nollywood productions and became widely recognised for his charisma, versatility, and strong screen presence.

His reported death marks another painful moment for Nigeria’s film industry and the wider entertainment community.

Fresh Operation In Bonny Uncovers Hidden Illegal Refining Camps

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered and dismantled another illegal refining operation in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State as part of ongoing efforts under Operation Delta Sentinel to tackle crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny following intelligence reports concerning suspicious activities around the Promise Land area of Bonny.

The Navy disclosed that an Anti-Crude Oil Theft patrol team immediately launched a coordinated reconnaissance mission across surrounding waterways and creeks after receiving the intelligence.

During the operation, aerial surveillance reportedly detected hidden refining equipment concealed beneath thick vegetation within the area.

Ground troops later confirmed the discovery of two newly established illegal refining camps strategically located close to the river channel.

According to the Navy, the sites contained locally fabricated cooking pots, connected pipelines, and other structures allegedly intended for refining and transporting stolen petroleum products.

Further findings reportedly showed that operators of the camps were still in the process of setting up the facilities and had not fully commenced refining activities before security operatives disrupted the operation.

The illegal refining sites were subsequently dismantled in line with operational procedures, while security surveillance around the area has reportedly been intensified to prevent future illegal activities.

The Nigerian Navy stated that the operation reflects its continued strategy of targeting illegal refining infrastructure before criminal networks fully establish operations in the region.

The Navy also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting critical national assets and curbing crude oil theft across the Niger Delta.

Super Falcons Defender Ashleigh Plumptre Sparks Reactions With Presidency Declaration Post

Nigerian football star and Nigeria women's national football team defender Ashleigh Plumptre has generated widespread reactions online after sharing a lengthy message suggesting an intention to run for the presidency of Nigeria.

In the emotional post shared on her Facebook page, Plumptre reflected on her journey representing Nigeria on the football pitch and her growing concern over the country’s social and economic challenges.

The defender stated that after years of playing for the nation and interacting with Nigerians, she had come to understand what she described as “the soul of Nigeria,” praising the resilience and hope of ordinary citizens despite hardship.

However, she lamented the increasing struggles facing many Nigerians, including unemployment, insecurity, economic hardship, and declining public confidence in leadership.

According to her, “hope alone is no longer enough,” as too many young people are losing faith in the future of the country.

The footballer further stated that she was stepping forward not for fame or power, but for what she described as “purpose,” while calling for leadership that protects, inspires, and fights for the people.

In the post, Plumptre also spoke about her vision for a Nigeria where young people can succeed based on merit, families can live peacefully, and citizens can look forward to a better future.

She urged Nigerians to rise above tribal, religious, and political divisions, insisting that unity remains key to national progress.

The message was accompanied by hashtags including “#AshleighPlumptreForPresident,” “#TogetherWeRise,” and “#Hope2027,” further fueling speculation and debate online over whether the statement represents a serious political ambition or a symbolic call for national change.

As of the time of filing this report, the footballer has not issued any additional clarification regarding the post.

Obi, Kwankwaso and the Politics of Walking Away. By Nworisa Michael

Following the recent political developments involving Peter Obi and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, I have seen many conversations, arguments, and expectations from supporters on different sides.

As someone who follows political developments closely, I believe some honest questions deserve to be asked, not out of hatred or mockery, but out of sincere reflection on where the opposition is heading ahead of 2027.

One thing I strongly believe is that the lack of a truly united opposition continues to strengthen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu politically. What seems to be happening now looks dangerously similar to the divisions that played out in 2023.

The biggest question many supporters may not want to ask themselves is this:

If Obi and Kwankwaso could not remain within a coalition strong enough to negotiate internally and confront figures like Atiku Abubakar politically, then how exactly do they intend to confront the full machinery of a sitting government during a national election?

Politics is not always about agreement. Serious coalitions everywhere in the world survive through negotiation, compromise, patience, and internal management of interests.

Some people argue that the ADC coalition would have eventually used consensus to hand over the presidential ticket to Atiku. But even Nigeria’s Electoral Act is clear on how consensus works.

Section 84(9) of the Electoral Act 2022 states that: “A political party that adopts a consensus candidate shall secure the written consent of all cleared aspirants for the position.”

This simply means consensus cannot legally stand where aspirants refuse to step down voluntarily. It is not something that can simply be forced on serious contenders without their agreement.

So the question remains: Were these really impossible political conditions, or were they merely difficult negotiations that required patience and strategic endurance?

Another concern is this: A movement that seeks to govern a deeply divided and complicated country like Nigeria cannot appear unable to survive internal political disagreements within its own coalition.

If leaders begin to exit every platform once internal pressure, uncertainty, or power struggles emerge, what confidence does that give ordinary Nigerians about handling the far more complex crises facing the country itself?

Politics is difficult everywhere. Coalitions are difficult everywhere. Negotiation is difficult everywhere. Elections are not won mainly on social media energy but through difficult grassroots political organization, negotiation, and coalition management.

Running away from internal political challenges while simultaneously claiming readiness to confront national challenges creates a contradiction many thoughtful Nigerians are beginning to notice.

And if truly legal uncertainties and party structure issues were among the concerns, why was there no collective patience to sit together and take a unified decision, whether to remain, negotiate, or even jointly move into another platform like the NDC together?

Because at the end of the day, every divided opposition indirectly strengthens the ruling government.

This piece is not written to attack supporters of Obi or Kwankwaso. Many sincere Nigerians genuinely invested hope in the idea of a strong and united opposition ahead of 2027.

Sadly, what many are seeing now looks less like strategic unity and more like another replay of the fragmentation that shaped the 2023 elections.

And if history repeats itself, the greatest beneficiary may once again be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nworisa Michael is the coordinator of Inter-tribe Community Support Forum and writes from nworisamichael1917@gmail.com