By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that aspirants seeking its presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections will pay a total of N100 million for expression of interest and nomination forms.
According to details released by the party, presidential hopefuls are to pay N30 million for the expression of interest form and N70 million for the nomination form.
The ruling party also set the cost of governorship forms at N50 million, comprising N10 million for expression of interest and N40 million for nomination.
The announcement was contained in a two-page document outlining the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections. The document, signed by the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaimon Arugungu, was made public on Saturday.
Further breakdown shows that senatorial aspirants will pay N20 million in total—N3 million for expression of interest and N17 million for nomination—while House of Representatives hopefuls are expected to pay N10 million, including N1 million and N9 million for the respective forms.
For State Houses of Assembly, aspirants will pay a combined N5 million, covering N1 million for expression of interest and N4 million for nomination.
The party stated that the schedule aligns with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for the 2027 elections.
As part of the timeline, APC fixed April 20, 2026, for issuing notices of election to state chapters. Sale of forms is scheduled to run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, at the party’s national secretariat.
Submission of completed forms is set to close on May 4, 2026.
Primary elections will begin with State Houses of Assembly on May 16, followed by governorship primaries on May 18, House of Representatives on May 20, and Senate on May 22, all in 2026.
Appeals arising from the primaries are scheduled for May 24 for State Assembly and May 25 for governorship, House of Representatives, and Senate contests.
Meanwhile, the development has drawn criticism from political analysts, who argue that the high cost of nomination forms could limit participation to wealthy individuals.
A political analyst, Omenazu Jackson, described the move as a sign of increasing monetisation of Nigeria’s political process.
“This raises serious concerns about inclusivity. Many capable Nigerians may be excluded simply because they cannot afford such fees,” he said.
Another analyst, Prof. Kamilu Fage, also criticised the pricing, describing it as undemocratic.
“It tilts the system in favour of the highest bidder. Democracy risks becoming a system for the rich, rather than for the people,” he noted.
Political Observers warn that the rising cost of political participation could further deepen concerns about accessibility and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
