President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally taken a major step toward seeking a second term, with the collection of his expression of interest and nomination forms for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development unfolded on the first day of the party’s sale of forms in Abuja, drawing prominent political figures and aspirants from across the country.
The APC nomination centre quickly became a focal point of intense political activity, as several high-profile contenders for governorship positions also obtained their forms.
Aspirants from Lagos, Ogun, Nasarawa, Yobe, and Bauchi states were among those who converged at the designated venue, signalling the early momentum of the party’s internal electoral process.
Representing the president, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, James Abiodun Faleke, received the nomination documents on behalf of Tinubu.
He explained that the move reflected a collective effort by numerous supporters and political groups who contributed financially to secure the forms.
Faleke, who played a similar role during the 2023 election cycle, expressed confidence in the president’s chances, citing his performance in office as a strong basis for re-election. According to him, the purchase of the forms was not the effort of a single individual, but a broad coalition of Nigerians committed to sustaining Tinubu’s leadership.
He noted that more than 1,000 supporters from Lagos alone contributed to the process, emphasising the widespread backing for the president within the party. Faleke added that Tinubu’s administration has laid a solid foundation and expressed optimism that the president would not only contest but also emerge victorious in the 2027 election.
In addition to securing the president’s forms, Faleke also obtained nomination forms for Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who is seeking the governorship ticket, as well as Senator Idiat Adebule for Lagos West Senatorial District.
Faleke himself is also pursuing re-election to represent Ikeja Federal Constituency.
Elsewhere, other notable political figures joined the race by picking up gubernatorial nomination forms. Among them were Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for Ogun State; Senator Shehu Buba for Bauchi State; former Inspector-General of Police Abubakar Adamu for Nasarawa State; and Kashim Musa Tumsah for Yobe State.
Senator Buba, who personally collected his form, expressed strong confidence in the APC’s prospects in Bauchi State. He criticised the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, describing its performance as inadequate and asserting that the APC stands a strong chance of taking over governance.
Similarly, Tumsah dismissed concerns about political hierarchy or consensus arrangements, arguing that competence and track record should determine candidacy. He stressed that Yobe State must prioritise development by selecting capable leadership, regardless of political titles or alignments.
Also entering the presidential race is Osifo Stanley, an entrepreneur who collected his nomination forms to challenge the incumbent. His participation adds a competitive dimension to the party’s presidential primary.
Speaking on behalf of the party, APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, assured aspirants of a transparent and fair primary process. He reiterated the party’s commitment to conducting credible elections and urged all participants to adhere to established guidelines.
According to the APC timetable, the sale of nomination forms will continue until May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms is scheduled to close on May 4. Screening of aspirants will take place between May 6 and May 9, with results to be published on May 11.
Primary elections are set to begin on May 15 with House of Representatives contests, followed by Senate primaries on May 18, State Houses of Assembly on May 20, governorship primaries on May 21, and the presidential primary on May 23. Appeals and post-primary processes are expected to conclude later in May.
