APGA sets May 23 for primaries, pegs presidential ticket at N75m
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has unveiled the provisional timetable for its primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. This is contained in a statement by the party’s
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has unveiled the provisional timetable for its primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This is contained in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ejimofor Opara yesterday.
The National Publicity Secretary said the schedule was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC).
Opara said the approval was in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the timetable, the sale and submission of expression of interest forms will begin on April 20 and end on May 8.
He said screening of aspirants would hold on May 11 for National Assembly, May 12 for State Houses of Assembly, and May 13 for governorship candidates.
The spokesman added that nomination forms would be available from May 14 to 21, while primary elections would be conducted on May 23 across wards using the Option A4 voting system.
He said appeals arising from the primaries would be handled on May 28.
Opara said that the Expression of Interest forms were fixed at N25 million for the presidency, N6 million for Senate, N4 million for House of Representatives, N10 million for governorship, and N2 million for State Assembly seats.
He added that nomination forms would cost N50 million for the presidency, N15 million for Senate, N12 million for House of Representatives, N25 million for governorship, and N6 million for State Assembly positions.
According to him, the combined cost of the presidential expression of interest and nomination forms stands at N75 million.
He said that aspirants must first purchase and submit expression of interest forms and successfully undergo screening before being eligible to obtain nomination forms.
Opara noted that the adoption of the Option A4 voting system was aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing electoral malpractice in the party’s internal electoral process.
He described the release of the timetable as a major step in APGA’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
PDP to unveil timetable for primaries
The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) will in a matter of days unveil its timetable for primaries, National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed confirmed yesterday
Mohammed broke the news at the party’s 108th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Wadata Plaza Secretariat in Abuja.
He said the party was ready to reclaim leadership at all levels of governance during the next year’s general election.
Mohammed said: “Let me essentially say that the PDP is set to conduct transparent, credible, and inclusive party primaries at all levels in strict compliance with the extant laws and the democratic best practice. We are determined to produce candidates who reflect the will of our members and the aspiration of the Nigerian people.
“As we approach the 2027 elections, the PDP remains committed to upholding the principles of international democracy, rule of law, equity, and national dignity. We call on all our members to remain focused, united, and committed to the collective interests of the party above all personal interests and ambitions.eneral elections.
In a communique at the end of the meeting , the NEC also resolved that the PDP was not a party in distress, adding that the era of uncertainty is over and that the PDP stands united as one big family.
It expressed confidence in the capacity of the National Working Committee to continue steering the affairs of the party towards greater unity, growth, and electoral success, adding that the PDP remains a strong, united, and formidable political party.
It, however stressed the imperative of reconciliation, unity, and collective responsibility among leaders, stakeholders, and members, while emphasising that the strength of the party lies in its ability to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue, mutual respect, and strict adherence to established Party structures and democratic principles.
On internal democracy and membership registration, the NEC underscored the importance of the continuous electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise as a strategic initiative aimed at modernizing the Party’s membership database.
It said this process will significantly enhance grassroots participation, improve transparency, and ensure efficiency in Party administration across all levels.
The organ also adopted the timetable and schedule of activities for 2027 General Elections, including the sale of nomination forms in line with the revised schedule for the 2027 General Elections.
It also stressed the need for strict compliance with the approved timetable to ensure a transparent, credible, and hitch-free nomination process, adding that the proposed schedule of activities was in accordance with the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including the submission of the Party’s Register of Members, conduct of primaries for various elective positions, and adherence to timelines for the resolution of disputes arising from such primaries.
It directed all relevant organs to ensure full compliance with INEC regulations and guidelines, while also directing them to immediately begin the necessary preparations for the forthcoming state primaries.
The need for strict adherence to the approved timetable and schedule of activities was emphasised, as well as compliance with all relevant statutory provisions to guarantee a credible, transparent, and inclusive process.
The PDP NEC asked all members to remain disciplined, loyal, and committed to the ideals and objectives of the party and to place the collective interest of the party above personal
ambitions and work together to consolidate the Party’s position as the leading democratic platform in Nigeria.
It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the unity, stability, and progress of the party and expressed optimism that with sustained cooperation, discipline, and adherence to democratic values, the PDP will continue to grow stronger and remain well-positioned to reclaim leadership at all levels of governance in the 2027 General Elections.
Addressing the NEC, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike congratulated the National Working Committee for reclaiming the National Secretariat , but urged them to do everything possible to bring back those who left the party because of uncertainty as a result of crisis.
He said whatever happens, he will always remain a member of the PDP, while admitting the crisis that has rocked the party in recent times.
Wike said: “Whatever that happens, we will continue to remain as members of the People’s Democratic Party. I know in life there must be a period of crisis. Nobody can say that in his family or her family, everything has been going on smoothly. No, sometimes it will be rough. It is your ability to withstand those challenges that matters.
“I thank God that by the grace of God, we have had our period of crisis. Now, we are together to make sure this party moves forward.
“I want to commend all of you, the leaders, for being faithful and committed. In fact, for all temptation for you to have abandoned your party, you said no, that you will continue to be here. That shows people who are loyal, that shows you want to remain a member of this party.”
On reconciliation, Wike said the party leaders must do all within their power to ensure reconciliation and wooing back those who have left.
He said “Chairman and your team, make sure you put up a strong committee that will still go ahead and talk to those who have defected. And whatever is due to them, they will still have it. Most of them may have defected because of uncertainty as to who will sign their documents to be presented to INEC.
“So most people will definitely find where they can get succor. But now, if you go and talk to them, I believe they will have a rethink and continue to support this party.
“On my own part, let me assure you, I’ll continue to support the party. I will continue to be loyal to the party. Since, 1998 till now, I’ve been a member of the PDP, and I will not leave the party. That is the truth of the matter.
“So, let me plead with the party, particularly the NWC to show difference under what is to happen. Let’s be open and transparent. Let people know indeed we are serious about correcting some anomalies or mistakes that previous leadership may have made. Nobody is perfect.
“What will happen is that if there are people coming back, people will praise you for what you are doing for this party. But if people are not coming back, then we are going to ask some questions, what are you doing? So please I want to plead with you. Show transparency, show openness, so that we’ll get whatever I want to get.”
National Chairman Mohammed expressed appreciation to members for what he called their steadfast commitment, resilience, and strong faith throughout the challenging period of leadership uncertainty which, he said, tested the party’s unity and institutional strength.
He said: “Your disciplined loyalty and belief in the process have not only preserved the soul of our party, but have also repositioned us for a stronger and more purposeful future.
“Today, we gather not as a party in distress, but as a strong political institution, firmly focused on the future of the People’s Democratic Party, which has now successfully navigated its internal challenge, and are fully aligned with the provision of the constitution, the electoral act, and all relevant guidelines as issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy. Consolidation and electoral preparation has begun today. In this regard, we are on the roadmap for our nationwide party primaries..
Chairman of the Board of Trustees , Senator Mao Ohuabunwa said the National convention that ushered in the new leadership was a defining moment in the life of the party as it was a clear demonstration that the party remains resilient, organized, and capable of self- renewal.
He said the convention has restored confidence within the ranks and sent a strong message to Nigerians that the PDP is back, stronger, more united, and ready to play its historic role in the democratic development of our country, but was quick to add that “while we celebrate this success, we must also recognize that the work ahead is even more critical”.
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He stressed that the strength of the party has always been in its inclusiveness, it’s diversity, and its ability to accommodate differing views while remaining one united family, stressing that the state of our Party today calls for vigilance, discipline, and strategic focus.
He said: “We must guard against complacency. The fact that we have successfully conducted a Convention does not mean the journey is complete, it means the real work has just begun.
“We must strengthen our internal structures, deepen internal democracy, and reinforce adherence to our constitution. Discipline, loyalty, and respect for due process must remain the foundation upon which we build
“Our strength has always been our numbers, but our power lies in our unity. A house divided against itself cannot stand, and as we look toward the horizon, we must move as one force. Let us set aside personal grievances for the collective survival and success of our Great Party”
“Politics is a game of interests, but we must never let those interests supersede our mission. The National Working Committee is committed to a genuine and transparent reconciliation process. We are reaching out to every aggrieved member across all wards and zones. We do not just want people back in the fold; we want them back with a sense of belonging and a shared purpose.
“Unity without discipline is merely a temporary truce. To remain a viable alternative for the people, we must uphold the sanctity of our constitution. Loyalty to the party’s decisions is non-negotiable. Internal grievances must be channeled through the proper constitutional organs, not the pages of newspapers.”
“The road to 2027 does not begin next year; it begins today. Our preparation must be clinical and data-driven. We are focusing on: Grassroots Mobilization Strengthening our presence in every polling unit.”
