Uncertainties as APC delays sale of nomination forms

By Jude Opara

There was heightened uncertainty at the National Secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday as several aspirants who have been besieging the Secretariait have not been able to purchase their expression of interest and nomination forms, three days after the exercise officially began.

It could be recalled that according to the revised 2027 general election timetable recently published by the party, the sale of forms was scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 25 to May 2, 2026.

But by the time of filing this report Monday evening, the process remained was still shrouded in secrecy as aspirants and agents were seen stranded at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

It was gathered that the party was yet to make public the specific bank account details for the aspirants to pay for their forms.

Similarly, it was further alleged that the party has withheld the account details for the payment of mandatory monthly membership dues, which is a prerequisite for eligibility under the guidelines of the party.

The delay is already causing anxieties especially among some members of the party angling to contest the governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly seats because they are equally said to be facing the same brick wall, leading to questions concerning the transparency of the upcoming primaries.

Though no official reason has been given for the unusual delay, a reliable source within the National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke on the condition of anonymity, admitted to the delays but called for calm, with the promise that the issue would be sorted out as soon as possible.

“It is unfortunate the sales of nomination forms is delayed. Efforts are on top gear to ensure the commencement of the exercise. The party is perfecting the procedure for a seamless and stress-free exercise”, the source stated.

Investigations have also revealed that the party may have jettisoned the earlier idea of selling the forms at the APC headquarters, for the more spacious Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center in Abuja.

The problem is given the tight schedule approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the submission deadline of May 4 is already fast approaching, which makes aspirants to worry over how to complete and return the usually bulky documentation before the deadline.