APC presidential, governorship primaries fixed for May 15, 23
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) took a giant step towards the general election last night with the release of its primaries timetable. The action is in line with the
- National, State Assemblies to hold May 18, 20, 21
- Full timetable released
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) took a giant step towards the general election last night with the release of its primaries timetable.
The action is in line with the April 23 to May 30 window given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for parties to conduct their primaries.
The big prize – the Presidential ticket – will be decided on May 15 and 16.
Aspirants for the office will pay N100million for the expression of interest and nomination forms.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has the right of first refusal, is expected to be the only aspirant.
But, his nomination might be ratified by party members across the wards in the country in line with the Electoral Act 2026, which prescribes either consensus or direct primary.
According to the schedule of activities released by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) shadow polls will take place on May 28 and 30.
Candidates for the Houses of Assembly in 36 states would be elected on May 21.
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The National Chairman, Prof. Netanwe Yilwatda, said the first choice of the party is to pick candidates by consensus.
But, where the aspirants could not agree on a consensus, the chapters across the national, state, constituencies and senatorial districts will opt for the direct option.
According to the comprehensive timetable, presidential aspirants will pick the Expression of Interest Form for N30 million and the Nomination Forms for N70 million.
Also, governorship contenders will obtain the Expression of Interest Form for N20 million and the Nomination Form for N40 million.
Argungu stated that senatorial aspirants will purchase the forms for N20 million while House of Representatives aspirants will pick them for 10million.
Those eyeing the House of Assembly tickets will obtain the forms for N6million.
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, who shed light on the schedule of activities, said the party has taken a step forward in its preparations for the 2027 elections.
He said the timetable was designed to facilitate a “transparent and competitive primary process.”
Morka, a lawyer, added: “The outlined schedule reflects the party’s resolve to strengthen internal democracy while ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all aspirants.
“The early release of the timetable is intended to give aspirants adequate time to prepare and comply with all requirements.”
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) also gave discounts to women, Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), and the youths who show interest in elective positions.
While aspirants in these categories will pay the full Expression of Interest fees, they are granted a 50 per cent discount on nomination fees.
According to the schedule, the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms will take place between April 25 and May 2.
The deadline for the submission of completed forms is May 4.
Last year, the party endorsed President Tinubu as the consensus candidate.
Screening of aspirants for the governorship and all the legislative positions will be held between May 6 and May 8.
The presidential screening will be held on May 9.
The outcome of the screening will be released on May 11.
Appeals arising from the screening will be heard between May 12 and May 13.
INEC has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential election, while governors will be elected on February 6.
There will be no governorship election in seven states where off-cycle elections were held, so no primaries will be held in Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Bayelsa, Kogi, Anambra and Imo.
