APC sets presidential form at N100m, N5O Governorship – THIS

By Victor Osula, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed earlier reports that it would set its presidential nomination form at ₦100 million, a move that critics say could further restrict access to leadership and entrench money-driven politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The fee structure, announced Monday evening in Abuja, comes as the party unveiled its calendar and program of activities for the primaries, setting in motion a process that observers say reflects both organizational preparedness and deepening questions about inclusion within Nigeria’s democratic space. The ruling party had denied previous reports of similar costs related to nomination forms, describing the reports as false.

According to the timetable signed by the party’s national organizing secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, and released by its national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, presidential aspirants will have to pay ₦30 million for expression of interest and ₦70 million for nomination, bringing the total to ₦100 million.

Gubernatorial aspirants are expected to pay a total of ₦50 million, while Senate candidates will pay ₦20 million. Those seeking seats in the House of Representatives and state Houses of Assembly will pay ₦10 million and ₦6 million respectively – figures that have intensified concerns about the growing monetization of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Political analysts argue that although political parties have the constitutional right to determine their own nomination quotas, the rising cost of forms among major parties risks excluding a large segment of Nigerians, especially young aspirants and grassroots politicians who do not have access to substantial financial support.

Although the APC announced concessions for women, youth and persons with disabilities, requiring them to pay only the expression of interest fee and 50% of the nomination fee. But stakeholders insist that reduced rates remain prohibitive for many.

The development has renewed debate over the role of money in determining political viability, with critics warning that high entry costs could prioritize wealth over expertise, weaken internal democracy and limit the diversity of candidates emerging from party primaries.

Despite the negative reaction, the APC has drawn up a tight schedule for the nomination process. The sale of forms will take place from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while the submission of completed forms closes on May 4.

Screening of aspirants for legislative and gubernatorial positions is scheduled for May 6-8, while presidential aspirants will be selected on May 9. Screening results will be published on May 11, followed by appeals between May 12 and 13.

Primary elections will begin with the presidential contest scheduled for May 15-16, 2026. This will be followed by House of Representatives primaries on May 18, Senate on May 20, state Houses of Assembly on May 21, and gubernatorial primaries on May 23, with roll calls concluding on May 25.

The party maintains that the timetable is in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, the Electoral Act 2026 and the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and reflects its commitment to a credible and transparent primary process.

However, beyond the structured timetable, the controversy over the cost of nomination forms continues to dominate the debate, raising broader questions about accessibility, equity and the future of democratic participation in Nigeria as the 2027 elections approach.

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