From Victor Osula, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed earlier reports that it pegged its presidential nomination form at ₦100 million, a move critics say could further narrow access to leadership and entrench money-driven politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The fee structure, announced in Abuja on Monday night, comes as the party unveiled its timetable and schedule of activities for the primaries, setting in motion a process that observers say reflects both organisational preparedness and deepening questions about inclusivity within Nigeria’s democratic space. The governing party had denied earlier reports of similar costs of it nomination forms, describing the reports as fake.
According to the timetable signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, and released by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, presidential aspirants are to pay ₦30 million for expression of interest and ₦70 million for nomination, bringing the total to ₦100 million.
Governorship aspirants are expected to pay a combined ₦50 million, while Senate hopefuls 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 monetisation of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Political analysts argue that while political parties have the constitutional right to determine their nomination fees, the increasing cost of forms across major parties risks excluding a large segment of Nigerians, particularly young aspirants and grassroots politicians who lack access to substantial financial backing.
Although the APC announced concessions for women, youths and persons living with disabilities, requiring them to pay only the expression of interest fee and 50 percent of the nomination fee. But stakeholders insist that the reduced rates remain prohibitively high for many.
The development has renewed debate about the role of money in determining political viability, with critics warning that high entry costs could prioritise wealth over competence, weaken internal democracy, and limit the diversity of candidates emerging from party primaries.
Despite the backlash, the APC has rolled out a tight schedule for its nomination process. The sale of forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms closes on May 4.
Screening of aspirants for legislative and governorship positions is scheduled for May 6 to May 8, with presidential aspirants to be screened on May 9. Screening results will be published on May 11, followed by appeals between May 12 and May 13.
Primary elections will begin with the presidential contest slated for May 15 to May 16, 2026. This will be followed by the House of Representatives primary on May 18, the Senate on May 20, the State Houses of Assembly on May 21, and governorship primaries on May 23, with appeals concluding on May 25.
The party maintains that the timetable aligns with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 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 surrounding the cost of nomination forms continues to dominate discourse, raising broader questions about accessibility, fairness, and the future of democratic participation in Nigeria as the 2027 elections approach.
