APC Blocks Alleged Governors’ Bid to Corner Nomination Forms Ahead of 2027

There are strong indications that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) revised its timetable for the 2027 general elections to prevent an alleged attempt by some governors to dominate the purchase of nomination forms.

Sources within the party said the inclusion of official account details in the updated schedule was a strategic move to halt plans by governors, under the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), to allegedly buy forms in bulk and distribute them to preferred aspirants.

The initial timetable reportedly omitted payment details due to pressure from the governors, who were said to be exploring ways to control access to the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms—particularly for National Assembly and state-level contests.

However, in the revised timetable released on Monday, the APC published designated bank accounts, directing all aspirants to make payments individually, a move party insiders say promotes transparency and equal access.

The development comes amid reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had granted governors significant influence over candidate selection for the 2027 elections.

Under the revised schedule, presidential primaries will hold on May 23, governorship and State House of Assembly primaries on May 20, Senate primaries on May 18, and House of Representatives primaries on May 15, 2026.

Reacting to the controversy, Imo State Governor and PGF Chairman, Hope Uzodimma, declined direct comment on the allegations. However, through his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, he assured aspirants of credible and transparent primaries.

He stressed that the party remains committed to internal democracy, urging aspirants to remain disciplined and supportive regardless of outcomes.

Similarly, the APC National Working Committee (NWC) has yet to officially respond to the allegations, as both the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, did not comment on enquiries.

However, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, dismissed claims that nomination forms were being restricted to a select few, insisting they remain open to all qualified party members.

“Nomination forms are open to all members of the APC contesting elections,” he said.

Lawmakers Kick as Governors Gain Upper Hand:

Meanwhile, unease is growing among federal lawmakers within the APC over indications that governors may now wield decisive power in determining party candidates.

The tension followed a high-level meeting between President Tinubu and APC governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, revealed that the President had authorised governors to conduct primaries in line with the Electoral Act.

According to him, governors were given the go-ahead to adopt either consensus or direct primaries in selecting candidates.

The development has unsettled members of the National Assembly, particularly after recent lobbying efforts led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who had reportedly sought automatic tickets for federal lawmakers.

Sources said the President maintained that governors would retain significant influence over candidate selection, a stance that has triggered anxiety among lawmakers fearing exclusion.

Speaker Tajudeen had earlier argued that frequent turnover in the legislature undermines governance and wastes public resources due to constant retraining of new members.

However, APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, has ruled out automatic tickets for any category of aspirants, further deepening uncertainty.

Several lawmakers, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration, warning that perceived favoritism could weaken party cohesion and affect their re-election chances.

Some hinted at possible defections if denied tickets, while others have intensified lobbying efforts to secure political backing from governors and party leaders.

Internal Rifts, State-Level Tensions

Political observers say the situation is further complicated by strained relationships between some governors and federal lawmakers.

In states like Ondo and Benue, internal divisions have heightened fears among lawmakers of being edged out. For instance, allies of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu are reportedly at odds with current power structures, while in Benue, factions linked to George Akume face tensions with the state government.

Tinubu Secures Forms as APC Fixes Fees:

In a related development, President Tinubu has officially secured the APC’s expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 presidential race.

The forms were obtained on his behalf by Ikeja Federal Constituency lawmaker, James Faleke, at a total cost of N100 million.

The APC fixed the expression of interest and nomination fees for the presidency at N30 million and N70 million respectively.

Governorship aspirants are to pay N10 million and N40 million, while Senate forms cost N3 million and N17 million.

For the House of Representatives, aspirants will pay N1 million for expression of interest and N9 million for nomination, while State Assembly forms cost N1 million and N5 million.

The party also announced a 50 per cent fee reduction for women, youths, and persons with disabilities.

Speaking after obtaining the forms, Faleke expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s re-election prospects, insisting that the APC remains firmly positioned ahead of the 2027 polls.

He also confirmed picking forms for Lagos governorship aspirant Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and for his own re-election bid to the House of Representatives seat.

Despite official assurances, the unfolding developments within the APC continue to stir debate over internal democracy, fairness, and the balance of power between party leaders and elected officials as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.