Tensions are rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the race towards the 2027 general election exposes a growing internal struggle over access to nomination forms.
Several aspirants have accused state governors of tightening their grip on the process, alleging that expression of interest and nomination forms are being controlled and selectively distributed to preferred candidates. The claims have sparked fears of a widening internal rift that could destabilise the party ahead of crucial primaries.
One of the loudest voices, presidential hopeful Osifo Stanley, said he was unable to obtain a form despite repeated attempts.
“I made several calls, but the account details required for payment were not made available,” he said in Abuja, highlighting what he described as a lack of transparency.
His experience appears to reflect a broader pattern. Multiple aspirants across governorship, National Assembly and state assembly races reportedly face similar hurdles, fuelling concerns that internal democratic processes are being undermined.
Governors accused of tightening control
Sources within the party claim that nomination forms, expected to have reached all 36 states, remain unavailable in several key locations. Allegations suggest that governors and their loyalists are influencing not only who gets access to forms but also who eventually emerges as candidates.
Party insiders warn that such dominance risks sidelining grassroots aspirants and narrowing political participation within the APC.
A senior party figure, speaking anonymously, cautioned that restricting access could trigger protests and legal battles, recalling past crises that led to electoral setbacks.
Party leadership denies wrongdoing
However, the APC leadership has pushed back against the allegations. According to aides of National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, the sale of forms was never decentralised to the states.
Officials insist that aspirants are expected to obtain forms directly from the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, not through governors.
They also stressed that while governors remain influential party leaders, they do not have the authority to interfere with established procedures.
Timetable released amid confusion
Despite the controversy, the APC has moved forward with its election timetable. The party fixed its presidential primary for May 23, 2026, with the sale of forms commencing on April 25 and submission closing on May 2.
Screening of aspirants is scheduled between May 4 and May 8, while primaries for various offices will run from May 12 to May 23.
Under the guidelines, presidential aspirants are required to pay N100 million, while governorship forms cost N50 million. Fees for Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly positions are pegged at N20 million, N10 million and N6 million respectively.
Rights groups raise alarm
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has also raised concerns, warning that increasing control by governors threatens internal democracy.
The group described the trend as a form of “political colonisation,” arguing that it risks reducing party members to spectators while concentrating power in the hands of a few political elites.
Aspirants push back
Stanley rejected suggestions that endorsements within the party could block other contenders, insisting that the constitution guarantees equal rights to contest.
He also criticised the monetisation of politics, arguing that leadership should be based on competence rather than financial strength.
With distrust growing and accusations flying, the APC faces a delicate balancing act. If unresolved, the dispute over nomination forms could deepen divisions, trigger factional conflicts and weaken the party’s chances heading into 2027.
