The Digest:
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has generated over N20 billion from the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms to aspirants seeking its ticket for various offices in the 2027 general election. The ruling party pegged presidential forms at N100 million, governorship at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, House of Representatives at N10 million, and State Houses of Assembly at N5 million. Two presidential aspirants, about 90 governorship contenders in 28 states, several National Assembly aspirants, and 990 State Houses of Assembly aspirants purchased forms. Screening of aspirants commenced on May 8.
Key Points:
- Aspirants spending millions on forms may feel entitled to recoup their investment through the office.
- The high cost of forms could exclude talented but less wealthy Nigerians from political participation.
- Female aspirants, youths, and physically challenged contenders received a 50% concession on nomination fees.
- The ruling party's revenue from form sales provides significant funding for primary election logistics.
- The timing of the N20 billion windfall, months before the election, gives the APC a financial advantage over opposition parties.
Sources: Leadership
