APC fixes May 2026 presidential primary, sets N100m ticket fee

Nigeria’s ruling party has fired the starting gun for the 2027 presidential race, unveiling a detailed primary timetable alongside a hefty ₦100 million price tag that could significantly shape who gets to compete for the nation’s top office.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) announced that its presidential primary election will be held from May 15 to 16, 2026, as part of a broader schedule of activities leading up to the 2027 general elections. The timetable, released via the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, outlines key stages including the sale of forms, screening of aspirants, appeals, and primaries for all elective positions.

Under the new guidelines, aspirants seeking the APC presidential ticket are required to pay ₦30 million for the expression of interest form and ₦70 million for the nomination form, bringing the total cost to ₦100 million. The party also set the nomination fee for governorship aspirants at ₦50 million, while candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly will pay varying amounts depending on the office.

The timetable indicates that the party will begin with the sale of forms before moving into a screening phase designed to assess the eligibility and qualifications of aspirants. Those dissatisfied with the screening outcomes will have the opportunity to file appeals, after which the party will proceed to conduct its primaries to select candidates across all levels.

By releasing its schedule well ahead of the election cycle, the APC appears to be positioning itself for an early and organized start, giving aspirants time to mobilize support and strategize. The move also signals the party’s intent to maintain a structured nomination process as it prepares to defend its position in the 2027 elections.

However, the high cost of nomination forms is likely to reignite debates about the inclusiveness of Nigeria’s political system. Critics have long argued that such fees create barriers for younger candidates and individuals without significant financial resources, effectively narrowing the field to wealthier or heavily backed contenders. Party officials, on the other hand, typically defend the charges as necessary to cover administrative expenses and discourage non-serious aspirants.

As the timeline unfolds, attention is expected to shift to potential contenders, zoning considerations, and internal party dynamics that could influence the outcome of the primaries. The May 2026 presidential primary, in particular, will serve as a defining moment for the APC, shaping its chances in what is anticipated to be a highly competitive 2027 general election.