The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced preparations for the 2027 general elections with the release of a detailed timetable, retaining high nomination fees for key offices while introducing concessions to encourage broader participation.
In the schedule issued Monday night in Abuja by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, presidential aspirants are required to purchase expression of interest and nomination forms at a combined cost of N100 million, comprising N30 million and N70 million respectively.
Governorship aspirants will pay N50 million, with N10 million for the expression of interest and N40 million for nomination. Senatorial aspirants are to pay N20 million, while those seeking seats in the House of Representatives will pay N10 million. Aspirants to the state Houses of Assembly will pay N6 million.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the fee structure is aimed at ensuring transparency and competitiveness in the primary election process, noting that the early release of the timetable allows aspirants adequate time to prepare and comply with requirements.
To promote inclusivity, the party’s National Working Committee approved a 50 per cent discount on nomination forms for women, youths, and persons living with disabilities, although they are required to pay the full expression of interest fee.
According to the timetable, the sale of forms will take place from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 4. Screening of governorship and legislative aspirants will hold from May 6 to May 8, with presidential screening slated for May 9.
The list of cleared aspirants will be published on May 11, while appeals arising from the screening exercise will be heard on May 12 and May 13.
Primary elections will begin mid-May, with the presidential primary scheduled for May 15 and May 16. The House of Representatives primaries will be held on May 18, followed by the Senate on May 20, state Houses of Assembly on May 21, and governorship primaries on May 23.
