The All Progressives Congress has announced that aspirants seeking to contest its 2027 presidential primary will pay a total of N100 million, comprising N30 million for the expression of interest form and N70 million for the nomination form.
The party also fixed fees for other elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Governorship aspirants are to pay N10 million for the expression of interest form and N40 million for the nomination form.
According to a two-page document detailing the party’s schedule of activities and timetable, signed by the National Organising Secretary, Sulaimon Arugungu, senatorial aspirants will pay N3 million for the expression of interest form and N17 million for the nomination form. Those contesting for the House of Representatives are to pay N1 million and N9 million respectively, while House of Assembly aspirants will pay N1 million for the expression of interest form and N4 million for the nomination form.
The document stated that the timetable was prepared in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the Electoral Act 2026, and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The party further outlined key dates for its electoral process, fixing April 20, 2026, for the issuance of notice of elections to state chapters. Sale of nomination forms is scheduled to take place at the party’s national secretariat from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while the deadline for submission of completed forms has been set for May 4, 2026.
Primary elections for various positions are slated to begin with the House of Assembly on May 16, followed by the governorship on May 18, the House of Representatives on May 20, and the Senate on May 22, all in 2026. Appeals arising from the primaries will be heard on May 24 for the House of Assembly and May 25 for the governorship, House of Representatives, and Senate contests.
Reacting to the development, political analyst Omenazu Jackson criticised the high cost of forms, describing it as a monetisation of the political process that could exclude ordinary Nigerians from participating in elections.
Another analyst, Kamilu Fage, also faulted the fees, saying they undermine democratic principles by favouring wealthy aspirants and limiting opportunities for broader participation.
Jackson further argued that the high cost of nomination forms could encourage corruption, as candidates who borrow funds to contest elections may prioritise repaying debts once in office rather than serving the public interest.
