By John Umeh
Political News Writer
The All Progressives Congress has unveiled the cost of nomination forms for aspirants seeking to contest under its platform in the 2027 general elections, with presidential hopefuls expected to pay a total of N100 million.
According to the party, aspirants for the presidency will pay N30 million for the expression of interest form and N70 million for the nomination form. Governorship aspirants, on the other hand, are required to pay N10 million for the expression of interest and N40 million for the nomination form, bringing the total to N50 million.
The details were contained in a two-page timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 elections released on Saturday and signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaimon Arugungu.
The document also outlined fees for other elective offices. Senatorial aspirants will pay N3 million for the expression of interest form and N17 million for the nomination form. Those seeking seats in the House of Representatives will pay N1 million and N9 million respectively, while House of Assembly aspirants will pay N1 million for expression of interest and N4 million for nomination forms.
The party stated that the schedule was prepared in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for the 2027 elections.
Beyond the fees, the APC also released key dates for the primary elections and other activities leading to the polls.
According to the timetable, notice of elections will be issued to state chapters on April 20, 2026, while the sale of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, at the party’s national secretariat.
The deadline for submission of completed forms was fixed for May 4, 2026.
The party scheduled its primary elections as follows: House of Assembly primaries on May 16, governorship primaries on May 18, House of Representatives primaries on May 20, and senatorial primaries on May 22, 2026.
Appeals arising from the primaries will be heard on May 24 for House of Assembly contests, while governorship, House of Representatives, and senatorial appeals are slated for May 25, 2026.
However, the announcement has drawn criticism from political observers who argue that the high cost of nomination forms could exclude capable candidates without substantial financial backing.
Political analyst Omenazu Jackson criticised the development, describing it as further evidence of the growing monetisation of Nigeria’s political space.
He questioned how ordinary Nigerians aspiring to leadership positions could afford such fees, warning that candidates may resort to borrowing funds, which could later influence their decisions in office.
Similarly, Professor Kamilu Fage described the pricing as undemocratic, noting that it favours wealthy aspirants while limiting opportunities for grassroots candidates.
He argued that democracy should encourage broad participation, not restrict it to those with financial resources.
Analysts also warned that the trend could weaken public confidence in democratic processes, urging political parties to reconsider nomination fees and promote inclusiveness ahead of the 2027 elections.
