APC Releases 2027 Election Timetable, Sets Presidential Form at N100m

Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has published its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, outlining key dates for primaries and fixing nomination fees for aspirants across all levels.

The document, signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, details timelines for the sale of forms, screening processes, appeals, and primary elections.

According to the schedule, the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms will open on April 25 and close on May 2, 2026. Completed forms must be submitted by May 4.

Primary elections are set to begin mid-May, with the presidential primary scheduled for May 15–16. House of Representatives primaries will follow on May 18, Senate on May 20, State Houses of Assembly on May 21, and governorship primaries on May 23. Appeals for the various contests will run between May 18 and May 25.

The APC said the timetable is designed to ensure a transparent and credible primary process, adding that it aims to strengthen internal party democracy.

The party fixed the cost of presidential nomination forms at a combined N100 million, comprising N30 million for expression of interest and N70 million for nomination. Governorship aspirants will pay a total of N50 million, while Senate forms are priced at N20 million. Forms for the House of Representatives cost N10 million, and those for State Houses of Assembly are set at N6 million.

The party noted that female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities will receive a 50 percent discount on nomination fees, while still paying the full expression of interest fee.

However, civil society groups have criticised the pricing structure. The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria warned that the high costs could limit participation.

CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said the fees risk deepening the monetisation of politics and excluding candidates without significant financial backing. He argued that the trend could weaken internal democracy, reduce competition, and increase the likelihood of corruption as candidates seek to recover campaign expenses.

The group called on political parties to review nomination fees and introduce broader concessions to encourage participation among women, youths, and reform-minded candidates.