APC FIXES MAY 15 FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY, MAY 25 FOR GOVERNORSHIP

APC FIXES MAY 15 FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY, MAY 25 FOR GOVERNORSHIP The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially fixed May 15–16, 2026 for its presidential primary election, while the governorship primary has been scheduled for May 25, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The party also confirmed that the presidential nomination form will cost ₦100 million, sparking renewed debate over the financial demands of political participation in Nigeria.

According to the APC schedule

• May 15–16: Presidential primary election
• May 18: House of Representatives primary
• May 20: Senate primary
• May 21: State House of Assembly primary
• May 23: Earlier governorship primary slot in some schedules
• May 25: Final governorship appeals/process conclusion window

The timetable also includes screening, appeals, and structured internal party processes leading up to the primaries.

The party has set the following fees

• Presidential aspirants: ₦30 million (expression of interest) + ₦70 million (nomination) = ₦100 million total
• Governorship aspirants: ₦10 million + ₦40 million = ₦50 million total
• Senate: ₦20 million total
• House of Representatives: ₦10 million total
• State House of Assembly: ₦6 million total

The APC says the structure is designed to fund party administration and ensure “serious-minded aspirants” participate.

APC leadership stated that

• The timetable complies with INEC guidelines and the Electoral Act 2026
• The process is aimed at ensuring transparent and credible primaries
• Internal democracy and orderly selection of candidates remain a priority

The ₦100 million presidential form has triggered widespread discussion, with concerns including

• High cost of political participation
• Barrier to entry for young aspirants
• Growing perception of monetized party politics
• Debate over internal democracy within major political parties

Political analysts say the APC’s schedule:

• Signals early preparation for high-stakes 2027 elections
• Reinforces the dominance of financially strong candidates
• May reduce participation of grassroots aspirants due to cost barriers

However, others argue it could streamline party discipline and reduce “protest candidacies.

With primaries set for mid-May, attention will now shift to:

• Emerging presidential contenders
• Internal party alliances and negotiations
• Possible legal and political challenges around nomination costs

The coming weeks are expected to shape Nigeria’s 2027 electoral race momentum.