APC
Olamilekan Abayomi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed May 15 and 16, 2026, for its presidential primary as it begins early preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The dates were released in a comprehensive timetable signed by National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and INEC guidelines. The schedule covers sales of forms, screening, appeals, and primaries for all elective positions.
Under the timetable, sale of expression of interest and nomination forms runs from April 25 to May 2, 2026, with submission due by May 4. Screening of aspirants holds May 6 to 8, results will be published May 11, and appeals run May 12 to 13. Presidential aspirants face screening on May 9. Other primaries follow in quick succession: House of Representatives on May 18, Senate on May 20, State Houses of Assembly on May 21, and governorship on May 23.
The headline figure is the cost. The APC pegged the presidential forms at ₦100 million total — ₦30 million for expression of interest and ₦70 million for nomination. Governorship forms are ₦50 million, broken into ₦10 million for expression of interest and ₦40 million for nomination. Senate aspirants will pay ₦20 million (₦3m + ₦17m), House of Representatives ₦10 million (₦1m + ₦9m), and State Assembly ₦6 million (₦1m + ₦5m).
To address inclusion concerns, the party announced concessions. Female aspirants, youth, and physically challenged aspirants are to pay for the expression of interest fee but only 50% of the prescribed nomination fees for each position. National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the structure is designed to ensure a “transparent and competitive primary election process” and reflects the party’s resolve to “strengthen internal democracy while ensuring fairness and equal opportunity.
The ₦100 million presidential fee matches what the APC charged in 2022 for the 2023 cycle, when aspirants like Bola Tinubu picked up forms at that price. That precedent drew criticism then, with groups like HURIWA urging EFCC and ICPC to probe aspirants’ funding sources and calling the amount “extravagant.” Political analyst Omenazu Jackson again slammed the ruling class for “monetising politics and making it difficult for ordinary Nigerians to participate,” asking “where the N100m is coming from.
APC officials defend the pricing as a way to manage the process and deter frivolous aspirants. Morka noted the early release of the timetable gives aspirants “adequate time to prepare and comply with all requirements.” The party says the exercise is designed to be credible and in line with electoral guidelines. For comparison, APGA’s newly released 2027 timetable pegs its presidential forms at ₦75 million total — ₦25 million expression of interest plus ₦50 million nomination.
The schedule also formalizes APC’s calendar ahead of INEC’s requirements. With primaries set for mid-May 2026, the party positions itself to conclude candidate selection nearly a year before the 2027 polls, giving room for campaigns, reconciliation, and litigation. The timetable covers all levels, meaning state and National Assembly aspirants move through screening and primaries within the same May window.
So, May 15-16, 2026 is now APC’s presidential primary date, with a ₦100 million entry ticket. The party frames it as orderly and inclusive with discounts for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Critics see it as another cycle of high financial barriers. Either way, the numbers set the stage: anyone seeking APC’s 2027 presidential ticket must mobilize ₦100 million by early May 2026 to get on the ballot.
