Home Nigeria Elections Fragmentation in ADC: Conflicting Nomination Guidelines

Fragmentation in ADC: Conflicting Nomination Guidelines

Okoi Obono-OblaMay 18, 20262 Mins read3

By Okoi Obono-Obla

A harbinger of the miasma, fragmentation, and confusion within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is amply demonstrated in two factions of the party issuing different guidelines with varying amounts of money to be paid by aspirants for presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly tickets.

The Senator David Mark faction announced its nomination fees on 6 May 2026 as follows:
– Presidential: ₦90,000,000
– Governorship: ₦30,000,000
– Senate: ₦10,000,000
– House of Representatives: ₦5,000,000
– State House of Assembly: ₦2,000,000

Concessions & Discounts
– Youths (ages 18–35): 50% discount
– Women & Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): 25% discount

For more information and exact procedures for obtaining and submitting forms, visit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) official portal.

However, Dr. Anongu I. Moses, State Organising Secretary of ADC, Benue State, released a different fee structure for elective offices:
– State House of Assembly: Expression of Interest – ₦500,000; Forms – ₦2,000,000; Admin Fee
– House of Representatives: Expression of Interest – ₦1,000,000; Forms – ₦2,000,000; Admin Fee
– Senate: Expression of Interest – ₦3,000,000; Forms – ₦2,000,000; Admin Fee
– Governorship: Expression of Interest – ₦5,000,000; Forms – ₦10,000,000; Admin Fee
– Presidential: Expression of Interest – ₦10,000,000; Forms – ₦25,000,000; Admin Fee

This faction explained:
breaking… Due to the current hardship occasioned by the misadministration of the APC government, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reduced the cost of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms. See details in the approved list above.

important announcement for all intending aspirants
1. Only candidates who purchase Expression of Interest and Nomination forms with the legally recognized body, as contained in the judgment of the Federal High Court, will be screened and allowed to participate in the forthcoming primaries.
2. Youths and women will enjoy a 50% discount across all categories of contestable offices.
3. People with disabilities will obtain nomination and interest forms free of charge.
4. Any aspirant who participates in any illegal screening is automatically disqualified.
5. Nomination and interest forms are now available for pick-up

Comparison of ADC Nomination Fees

Discounts & Concessions
– David Mark faction: Youths (18–35) – 50% discount; Women & PWDs – 25% discount.
– Anongu Moses faction: Youths & Women – 50% discount; PWDs – free forms.

This sad development is a recipe for confusion, which may eventually affect the forwarding of names of ADC candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Between now and 30 May 2026 will be very crucial for the ADC and its various factions, as Nigerians wait with bated breath and anxiety while INEC opens its website for political parties to upload the names of candidates nominated to fly the flags of their respective parties. Would INEC recognize the Senator David Mark faction or the State Executive Committee, as ordered by the Federal High Court Abuja presided over by Honourable Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in the case filed by Norom Obinna and others versus Senator David Mark and others, whose judgment was delivered recently?

Conclusion: The existence of two conflicting guidelines within the ADC highlights deep internal divisions. Unless urgently resolved, this fragmentation could undermine the party’s credibility and its ability to present candidates effectively in the forthcoming elections.