The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its timetable for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The schedule aligns with the April 23 to May 30 window approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political parties to conduct their primaries.
According to the timetable, the party’s presidential primary, the most keenly anticipated contest, will be held on May 15 and 16. Aspirants are expected to pay a total of N100 million for the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who enjoys the right of first refusal, is widely expected to emerge as the sole aspirant, with his candidacy likely to be ratified through consensus or direct primaries in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
The schedule, released by National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, shows that primaries for National Assembly seats will take place between May 28 and 30, while those for State Houses of Assembly are slated for May 21.
APC National Chairman Netanwe Yilwatda said the party prefers consensus in selecting candidates but will resort to direct primaries where agreements fail at various levels.
A breakdown of fees indicates that presidential aspirants will pay N30 million for the Expression of Interest form and N70 million for the Nomination form. Governorship aspirants will pay N20 million and N40 million respectively, while senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly forms are pegged at N20 million, N10 million and N6 million.
National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the timetable underscores the party’s commitment to transparency and internal democracy, noting that the early release allows aspirants ample time to prepare.
He added that women, youths and Persons Living with Disabilities will enjoy a 50 per cent discount on nomination forms, while paying full Expression of Interest fees.
Sale of forms will run from April 25 to May 2, with submission deadline fixed for May 4. Screening for governorship and legislative aspirants will hold from May 6 to 8, while presidential screening is scheduled for May 9. Appeals will be entertained between May 12 and 13.
INEC has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential election and February 6 for governorship polls.
Meanwhile, no governorship primaries will be conducted in Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Bayelsa, Kogi, Anambra and Imo states due to their off-cycle election schedules.
