All Progressives Congress Sets May 15 for Presidential Primaries and Announces Multi Million Naira Nomination Fees

The APC releases its 2027 election timetable, fixing May 15, 2026 for presidential primaries and setting nomination fees at 100 million naira.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 10:34 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Champion Newspapers

A Strategic Roadmap for the Ruling Party

The All Progressives Congress has formalized its internal electoral calendar, signaling an early start to the preparations for the 2027 general elections. According to the party’s National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, the strategic document outlines every critical phase of the selection process, including screening, appeals, and the conduct of primaries. By releasing these dates nearly a year in advance, the party leadership aims to provide a structured environment for aspirants to organize their campaigns and engage with the party’s grassroots supporters across the federation.

The Financial Threshold for Presidential Ambitions

A significant highlight of the new schedule is the substantial financial commitment required from prospective candidates, with the combined cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for the presidency set at 100 million naira. This high entry cost reflects the party's approach to vetting serious contenders and generating the necessary resources for a nationwide primary process. The party has scheduled the presidential primary election for Friday, May 15, 2026, marking it as the pinnacle event of the internal democratic cycle that will determine the successor to the party's current leadership structure.

Timelines for Governorship and Legislative Aspirants

The electoral timetable also establishes specific dates and fees for other key positions, with governorship primaries slated for Saturday, May 23, 2026. Candidates seeking a state executive office will be required to pay 50 million naira for their forms. Legislative aspirants face a staggered schedule, with Senate primaries set for May 20, 2026, at a cost of 20 million naira, followed by House of Representatives and State House of Assembly primaries on May 18. These fees, ranging from 6 million to 10 million naira for legislative seats, underscore the varying levels of investment required to compete under the party's banner.