APC Unveils Stiff 2027 Primaries Schedule, Demands N100 Million For Presidential Ticket

The political landscape for Nigeria's 2027 general elections heats up as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) releases its rigorous timetable for party primaries, demanding a staggering N100 million from presidential aspirants. This bold move effectively sets the stage for a high-stakes internal contest, where financial might appears as crucial as political dexterity.

Signed by Sulaiman Argungu, National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the schedule outlines a tightly packed sequence of activities, officially kicking off the party’s internal electoral process. It mirrors the constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revised timetable, signaling the party's readiness to engage.

The journey begins on April 20, 2026, with the formal notice of election to state chapters and the commencement of form sales at the APC national secretariat. Aspirants then face a short window from April 25 to May 2 to purchase their nomination and expression of interest forms. All completed documents must land at the party secretariat by May 4, leaving little room for delay.

The Scramble for Tickets Escalates

Screening of hopefuls follows swiftly. Candidates eyeing State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship slots undergo scrutiny between May 6 and May 8. Presidential aspirants face their own screening on May 9. The party releases screening results on May 11, after which aggrieved aspirants get a two-day window, May 12-13, to appeal.

The main event — primary elections — then takes centre stage. The presidential primary, arguably the most watched contest, is slated for May 15-16. House of Representatives aspirants battle it out on May 18, followed by Senate hopefuls on May 20. State House of Assembly primaries run from May 21-22, while governorship aspirants slug it out on May 23. This intense back-to-back schedule demands stamina and strategic foresight from all political gladiators.

Even post-primaries, the appeal process continues. Presidential primary appeals are heard from May 18. House of Representatives appeals follow on May 20, Senate on May 21, State House of Assembly on May 23, and governorship appeals on May 25, ensuring a full redress mechanism is in place.

The Steep Cost of Ambition

Beyond the calendar, the APC’s form fees present a significant hurdle, sparking immediate conversation. Presidential aspirants must cough up N30 million for expression of interest and an additional N70 million for nomination forms, totaling a massive N100 million. Governorship hopefuls pay N50 million (N10 million EoI, N40 million nomination), while senatorial aspirants face a N20 million bill (N3 million EoI, N17 million nomination). The House of Representatives ticket comes at N10 million (N1 million EoI, N9 million nomination), and State House of Assembly aspirants pay N6 million (N1 million EoI, N5 million nomination).

In a nod to inclusivity, the party offers a partial concession: women, youths, and persons with disabilities pay only for the expression of interest forms and half of the prescribed nomination fees. However, this gesture does little to mask the substantial financial barrier that remains for most Nigerians aiming for political office under the ruling party's banner.

The APC’s internal timeline neatly fits within the broader schedule established by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC mandates that all parties conclude their primaries, including dispute resolution, between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Presidential and National Assembly elections are set for January 16, 2027, with governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections following on February 6, 2027. Campaigns for the national elections commence August 19, 2026, and September 9, 2026, for state-level races, all concluding 24 hours before election day.

As the APC unveils its roadmap, the stage is now fully set for an intense period of jostling, negotiations, and financial maneuvering. The party's stringent schedule and high form costs send a clear message: only the most determined, and financially capable, will make a run for its coveted tickets ahead of the 2027 polls.