The All Progressives Congress has released a revised timetable for internal activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, setting May 15 to May 23, 2026 for its nationwide primary elections, even as the ruling party confronts mounting pressure over the economy, insecurity, and internal unity.
According to the schedule released by the party’s National Organising Secretary on Monday, the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026. Submission of completed forms closes on May 4, while screening of aspirants is scheduled between May 6 and May 9, 2026.
NOMINATION COSTS, DISCOUNTS
The APC pegged the cost of its presidential nomination and expression of interest forms at N100 million in total. Governorship aspirants will pay N50 million. The party said concessions have been approved for women, youths, and persons with disabilities, though specific discount rates were not disclosed.
The fees have already drawn criticism from civil society groups, who describe the cost as “elitist” and a barrier to competent but less wealthy aspirants.
2027 HURDLES AHEAD
The timetable comes as the APC faces key challenges heading into 2027. Analysts point to three major fronts:
Economic Pressure: Inflation, fuel prices, and the naira’s value remain top voter concerns. Opposition parties are framing 2027 as a referendum on cost of living under the APC’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Insecurity: Continued attacks in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna have renewed calls in the National Assembly for a shake-up of service chiefs, putting pressure on President Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief.
Internal Unity: Zoning battles over the presidential ticket, potential disputes from the May primaries, and managing ambitions of second-term governors could test party cohesion. The APC saw post-primary court cases weaken its outings in 2019 and 2023.
The party also faces a regrouping PDP and the sustained youth-driven support base that backed the Labour Party in 2023. Talks of a possible opposition mega-merger could further consolidate anti-APC votes.
INEC ALIGNMENT
The APC said the timetable aligns with the schedule issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 elections. INEC had earlier fixed February 20, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly polls, and March 6, 2027 for Governorship and State Assembly elections.
Party sources said the National Working Committee would meet next week to inaugurate screening and appeal committees ahead of the primaries. The APC urged aspirants to adhere strictly to the timelines, warning that late submission would not be entertained.
The APC timetable sets out six key steps. Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, with all completed forms due for submission by May 4. The party has scheduled screening of aspirants between May 6 and May 9, ahead of primary elections slated for May 15 to May 23, 2026. On costs, presidential aspirants will pay a total of N100 million for both forms, while governorship hopefuls will pay N50 million.
