APC presidential, governorship primaries scheduled for May 15th to 23rd

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) took a giant step towards the general election last night with the release of its primaries timetable.

The action is in line with the April 23 to May 30 window given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for parties to conduct their primaries.

The big prize – the Presidential ticket – will be decided on May 15 and 16.

Aspirants for the office will pay N100million for the expression of interest and nomination forms.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has the right of first refusal, is expected to be the only aspirant.

But, his nomination might be ratified by party members across the wards in the country in line with the Electoral Act 2026, which prescribes either consensus or direct primary.

According to the schedule of activities released by its National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) shadow polls will take place on May 28 and 30.

Candidates for the Houses of Assembly in 36 states would be elected on May 21.

But, where the aspirants could not agree on a consensus, the chapters across the national, state, constituencies and senatorial districts will opt for the direct option.

According to the comprehensive timetable, presidential aspirants will pick the Expression of Interest Form for N30 million and the Nomination Forms for N70 million.

Also, governorship contenders will obtain the Expression of Interest Form for N20 million and the Nomination Form for N40 million.

Argungu stated that senatorial aspirants will purchase the forms for N20 million while House of Representatives aspirants will pick them for 10million.

Those eyeing the House of Assembly tickets will obtain the forms for N6million.

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, who shed light on the schedule of activities, said the party has taken a step forward in its preparations for the 2027 elections.