Want to be APGA’s presidential candidate in 2027? Bring your checkbook. A very thick checkbook.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance has unveiled the provisional timetable for its primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. The schedule was approved by the party’s National Working Committee and released in a statement on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ejimofor Opara. The approval, he said, is in line with INEC’s timetable and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the timetable, the sale and submission of expression of interest forms will run from April 20 to May 8. Aspirant screening follows on May 11 for the National Assembly, May 12 for State Houses of Assembly, and May 13 for the governorship candidates. Nomination forms will be available from May 14 to May 21. Primary elections will be conducted on May 23 across wards using the Option A4 voting system. Appeals will be handled on May 28.
The Cost of Ambition
The Expression of Interest forms are fixed at N25 million for the presidency, N6 million for the Senate, N4 million for the House of Representatives, N10 million for governorship, and N2 million for State Assembly seats. But those are just the entry fees.
Nomination forms cost N50 million for the presidency, N15 million for the Senate, N12 million for the House of Representatives, N25 million for governorship, and N6 million for State Assembly positions.
The combined cost of the presidential expression of interest and nomination forms stands at N75 million. That is not a typo. Seventy-five million naira just to be considered.
Aspirants must first purchase and submit expression of interest forms and successfully undergo screening before being eligible to obtain nomination forms. Pay to express interest. Pay again to be nominated. Pay either way.
The Political Calculus
APGA is not the first party to set a high price on its presidential ticket. The major parties have long treated nomination forms as revenue streams. But N75 million for a party that does not control the presidency — and has never come close — raises questions.
Who can afford that sum? What kind of candidate emerges from a process that prices out all but the wealthiest aspirants? And what message does APGA send to ordinary Nigerians when its own internal democracy requires millions just to get on the ballot?
The party describes the release of the timetable as a major step in APGA’s preparations for the 2027 general elections. That is true. It is a step. But it is a step that prioritizes financial muscle over grassroots participation.
The Transparency Claim
APGA says the adoption of the Option A4 voting system is aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing electoral malpractice in the party’s internal electoral process. Option A4 is a method where voters line up behind their preferred candidate — visible, public, and difficult to rig. In theory, it is more transparent than secret balloting.
But transparency in voting does not erase the barrier of entry. A candidate can be chosen fairly. But first, they must pay N75 million. That is not a small hurdle. It is a wall.
The Bottom Line
APGA has set May 23, 2027, as the date for its primary elections. Expression of interest forms for the presidency cost N25 million. Nomination forms cost an additional N50 million. Total cost to become APGA’s presidential candidate: N75 million. Senate aspirants will pay N21 million combined. Governorship aspirants: N35 million. House of Representatives: N16 million. State Assembly: N8 million.
