The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced May 15 and 16 for its presidential primary as part of a comprehensive timetable for its 2027 general election preparations. The schedule, unveiled on Tuesday night, also outlines dates for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly primaries.
The timetable aligns with the window provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which fixed April 23 to May 30 for political parties to conduct their primaries ahead of the polls.
Under the new arrangement, the contest for the party’s presidential ticket, regarded as the most coveted position, will be decided mid-May, with aspirants required to purchase nomination and expression of interest forms costing a combined N100 million.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who enjoys the right of first refusal, is widely expected to emerge as the sole aspirant.
His candidature may, however, be ratified by party members across the wards in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which allows for either consensus or direct primaries.
According to the schedule released by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, primaries for the National Assembly will hold on May 28 and 30, while elections for candidates seeking seats in the state Houses of Assembly across the 36 states are slated for May 21.
The National Chairman of the party, Prof. Netanwe Yilwatda, stated that the APC would prioritise consensus in selecting candidates. He explained that where consensus fails, the party would adopt the direct primary option at various levels, including constituencies, senatorial districts and states.
A breakdown of the fees shows that presidential aspirants will pay N30 million for the expression of interest form and N70 million for the nomination Form. Governorship aspirants are to pay N20 million and N40 million respectively for the same categories.
Similarly, aspirants for senatorial seats will pay N20 million, while those seeking tickets for the House of Representatives are to pay N10 million. State House of Assembly aspirants will obtain their forms at N6 million.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the timetable as a significant step in preparations for the 2027 elections, adding that it reflects the APC’s commitment to transparency and competitiveness in its internal processes.
He said the early release of the timetable would give aspirants sufficient time to prepare and comply with all requirements, while also strengthening internal democracy within the party.
In a move aimed at inclusivity, the party’s National Working Committee approved concessions for women, youths and persons living with disabilities. While these categories are expected to pay the full expression of interest fees, they will enjoy a 50 per cent discount on nomination forms.
The timetable indicates that the sale of forms will run from April 25 to May 2, while submission of completed forms will close on May 4. Screening of aspirants for governorship and legislative positions is scheduled for May 6 to May 8, with presidential screening fixed for May 9.
The results of the screening exercises will be released on May 11, while appeals arising from the process will be heard between May 12 and May 13.
INEC has already fixed January 16, 2027 for the presidential election, while governorship elections are scheduled for February 6. However, no governorship primaries will be conducted in seven states, including Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Bayelsa, Kogi, Anambra and Imo, due to their off-cycle election arrangements.
