APC Fixes May 15–16 for Presidential Primaries, Pegs Forms at N100m

APC Fixes May 15–16 for Presidential Primaries, Pegs Forms at N100m

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled its presidential primary election for May 15 and 16, 2026, while setting the cost of its nomination and expression of interest forms at N100 million, as part of its roadmap for the 2027 general elections.

The timetable, released in a statement on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, outlines a tight sequence of pre-election activities, including the sale of forms, screening of aspirants and resolution of appeals.

Morka said the schedule reflects the party’s readiness to conduct a transparent and credible nomination process.

“The APC reassures members, stakeholders and Nigerians of its commitment to credible and transparent primary elections that will further strengthen internal democracy,” he stated.

According to the timetable signed by National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, the process begins with the issuance of notice to state chapters on April 20, 2026, followed by the sale of forms between April 25 and May 2.

Submission of completed forms is expected to close on May 4, while screening of aspirants for all elective positions; ranging from state assemblies to the presidency.will hold between May 6 and May 8. The results of the screening are to be published on May 11, with appeals slated for May 12 and 13.

The party fixed May 9 specifically for the screening of presidential aspirants.

Primary elections for various offices will then commence, with the presidential contest taking centre stage on May 15 and 16.

Primaries for the House of Representatives are billed for May 18, Senate on May 20, State Houses of Assembly on May 21, and governorship positions on May 23.

Appeals arising from the primaries will follow immediately, beginning with the presidential category on May 18 and ending with governorship appeals on May 25.

A breakdown of fees shows that presidential aspirants are to pay N30 million for the expression of interest form and N70 million for the nomination form, bringing the total to N100 million.

Governorship forms are pegged at N50 million, while Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly forms cost N20 million, N10 million and N6 million respectively.

The party, however, offered concessions to certain categories of aspirants. Female aspirants, youths and persons with disabilities are required to pay only for the expression of interest form and 50 per cent of the nomination fee.

Morka noted that the timetable shows the APC’s intention to stay ahead in preparations for the 2027 polls, adding that the structured schedule would ensure orderly participation across all levels.

He added that the party remains committed to strengthening its internal processes as it positions itself for the next general elections.