Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rolled out an aggressive timetable for the 2027 elections, giving presidential, governorship and National Assembly aspirants just a two-week window to purchase and submit nomination forms.
The party fixed May 16 and May 23, 2026, for its presidential and governorship primaries, signalling an early and tightly controlled race toward the 2027 polls.
According to APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the cost of entry remains steep: presidential aspirants will pay ₦100 million, governorship hopefuls ₦50 million, Senate aspirants ₦20 million, and House of Representatives contenders ₦10 million. State House of Assembly forms are pegged at ₦6 million.
The timetable, signed by National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Argungu, shows that forms will be on sale from April 25 to May 2 at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, with submission closing on May 4.
Screening of aspirants will follow immediately, ahead of a packed primary election schedule:
- House of Representatives – May 18
- Senate – May 20
- State Assemblies – May 21
The party also introduced concessions for inclusion, allowing women, youths, and persons with disabilities to pay only for expression of interest forms and 50% of nomination fees.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already fixed January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship polls slated for February 6. Party primaries across all parties are expected to run between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
PDP Claims Unity Amid Lingering Crisis
On the opposition front, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has turned the corner on its internal crisis, even as factional tensions persist.
At its 108th NEC meeting in Abuja, the party adopted its 2027 timetable and declared the “era of uncertainty” over. However, deep divisions remain between blocs aligned with figures such as Nyesom Wike and other party leaders, with multiple court cases still pending.
Despite the disputes, PDP leaders insist the party is “strong, united and formidable,” while calling for reconciliation and strict adherence to electoral guidelines.
Wike, speaking at the meeting, reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and urged greater transparency to rebuild trust and attract defectors back into the fold.
ADC Eyes Consensus Strategy
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), on its part, is exploring a consensus model to pick its presidential candidate.
Party spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said the approach is aimed at reducing costs and avoiding divisive primaries, though provisions for direct primaries remain.
Race to 2027 Gains Momentum
With timelines tightening, fees soaring, and political maneuvering intensifying across parties, the road to 2027 is already taking shape—promising a high-stakes contest marked by strategy, alliances, and internal battles long before voters head to the polls.
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2026-04-21