APC Unveils 2027 Primaries Timeline, Steep Nomination Fees with Inclusivity Discounts

By Patrick Isaac

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced its schedule for party primaries and detailed high nomination fees for the 2027 general elections, offering reduced rates for women, youths, and persons with disabilities.

Primaries for presidential and National Assembly positions are set for Saturday, May 23, 2026, with governorship primaries following on Monday, May 25.
This fits within INEC’s window of April 23 to May 30 for primaries and dispute resolutions.

The fee structure, often controversial in Nigerian politics, includes:

State House of Assembly: ₦1 million (expression of interest) + ₦5 million (nomination).
House of Representatives: ₦1 million + ₦9 million.
Senate: ₦3 million + ₦17 million.
Governorship: ₦10 million + ₦40 million.
Presidency: ₦30 million + ₦70 million.

To promote inclusivity, female aspirants, youths (25-40), and persons with disabilities pay only for expression of interest plus 50% of nomination fees.

INEC’s broader timetable sets presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, and governorship/state assembly polls for February 6. Campaigns start August 19 for federal races and September 9 for state-level, ending 24 hours before voting.

The announcement comes as parties gear up for what promises to be a fiercely competitive cycle.