Furthermore, the schedule announced by the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, appears exceptionally compressed.
By TheInvestigator
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its timetable and schedule of activities leading up to the 2027 general elections, but the release has been overshadowed by the prohibitive fees required for aspirants, raising serious questions about the party’s commitment to true internal democracy.
The financial burden placed on hopefuls is staggering, effectively turning the contest into a game reserved for the nation’s wealthiest elite and entrenched political class. A presidential ticket now comes with a non-refundable price tag of ₦100 million, broken down into ₦30 million for the expression of interest and ₦70 million for the nomination form.
Other positions are similarly priced out of reach for the average citizen:
Governorship: ₦50 million
Senate: ₦20 million
House of Representatives: ₦10 million
State House of Assembly: ₦6 million
While the party has offered concessions allowing women, young people, and persons with disabilities to pay only the expression of interest fee and half the nomination fee, these waivers do little to diminish the overall perception that the APC is prioritizing deep pockets over grassroots participation. The sheer size of the fees ensures that only candidates with significant wealth or powerful, established backing can realistically enter the race.
Furthermore, the schedule announced by the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, appears exceptionally compressed. With the sale of forms running from April 25 to May 2, and the deadline for submission of completed forms on May 4, aspirants are given a tiny window to mobilize funds and meet stringent administrative requirements. The primary elections themselves are set to run from May 15 to May 23, creating a swift and possibly rushed process that may not allow for adequate administrative oversight or thorough vetting, despite the party’s assurances of a “credible and transparent primary election.”
The release, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, concludes with a statement affirming the party’s dedication to strengthening its “internal democracy and progressive ideals.” However, critics argue that the actual schedule and fee structure tell a different story-one of exclusion, where the high cost of nomination serves as the first and most effective screening mechanism, safeguarding the party’s structure from outsiders and genuine grassroots challengers.