The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling political party, has officially announced the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants seeking to contest the 2026 Osun State governorship election. The party has pegged the total cost of the forms at N50 million, a decision that has sparked discussions across political circles in the state and beyond. This announcement is part of the APC’s broader strategy to set the stage for a seamless primary election process as it prepares to select its flagbearer for the highly anticipated 2026 governorship race in Osun State.
According to the timetable and guidelines released by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, the cost of the forms is split into two components: the expression of interest form, priced at N10 million, and the nomination form, which costs N40 million. This brings the total cost to N50 million for aspirants who are required to purchase both forms to participate in the party’s primary election. However, in a bid to promote inclusivity and encourage participation from underrepresented groups, the APC has introduced specific concessions for certain categories of aspirants. Women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are exempted from paying for the expression of interest form, meaning they will only need to purchase the nomination form at N40 million. Additionally, young aspirants aged between 25 and 40 years will enjoy a 50 percent discount on the nomination form, reducing their cost to N20 million for the nomination form, while still paying the full N10 million for the expression of interest form. These measures, according to the party, are aimed at fostering diversity and ensuring that a broad spectrum of candidates can participate in the democratic process.
The announcement of the form prices and the accompanying timetable signals the APC’s readiness to kickstart its primary election process in Osun State, a politically significant region in Nigeria’s southwest geopolitical zone. Osun State has a history of competitive electoral contests, and the 2026 governorship election is expected to be no different, with the APC aiming to retain its hold on the state or, depending on the political dynamics, challenge the incumbent administration. The high cost of the forms has, however, raised questions about the accessibility of the political process, with critics arguing that the N50 million price tag could exclude capable candidates who lack the financial muscle to compete. Supporters of the APC, on the other hand, defend the pricing, stating that it reflects the high stakes of the governorship race and the need to ensure that only serious contenders participate in the primaries.
Detailed Breakdown of the Timetable
The APC’s timetable, as outlined by Suleiman Argungu, provides a clear roadmap for the party’s activities leading up to the governorship primary election and beyond. The schedule is designed to ensure an orderly and transparent process, with key milestones spread across several months to allow for adequate preparation by both the party and the aspirants. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key dates and activities outlined in the timetable:
Issuance of Election Notice to the State Chapter (October 3, 2025): The process officially begins with the issuance of the notice of election to the APC’s Osun State chapter. This formal communication serves as the starting point for the party’s preparations at the state level, signaling to members and aspirants that the governorship election process is underway.
Membership Update (October 20–31, 2025): The APC has set aside a 12-day period for updating its membership register. This exercise is critical to ensuring that only eligible members participate in the primary election process, particularly in the selection of delegates who will vote during the primaries. The membership update will also help the party verify its supporters and streamline its voter base ahead of the primaries.
Sale of Forms (November 12–26, 2025): Aspirants will have a two-week window to purchase the expression of interest and nomination forms. This period is crucial for candidates to formally declare their intention to run for the governorship by obtaining the necessary documentation. The APC has emphasized that the sale of forms will be conducted transparently, with clear guidelines to ensure fairness.
Submission of Completed Forms (December 1, 2025): All aspirants are required to submit their completed forms by December 1, 2025. This deadline is non-negotiable, as it allows the party to proceed with the next phase of the process—screening of aspirants. The submission process will likely involve the presentation of required documents, such as educational certificates, tax clearance certificates, and other eligibility requirements stipulated by the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Screening of Aspirants (December 3–4, 2025): The screening of aspirants is scheduled to take place over two days. During this period, a screening committee set up by the APC will review the credentials and qualifications of all aspirants to ensure they meet the constitutional and party-specific requirements for contesting the governorship election. This process is critical to weeding out unqualified candidates and ensuring that only eligible aspirants proceed to the primary election.
Publication of Screening Results (December 5, 2025): The results of the screening exercise will be made public on December 5, 2025. This step ensures transparency and allows aspirants and party members to know which candidates have been cleared to participate in the primary election. Any disputes or appeals arising from the screening process are expected to be addressed promptly to avoid disruptions to the timetable.
Delegates Congress (December 9, 2025): The delegates congress, scheduled for December 9, 2025, will involve the selection of party members who will serve as delegates during the primary election. These delegates will play a pivotal role in determining the APC’s governorship candidate, as they will cast votes during the primary election.
Governorship Primary Election (December 13, 2025): The primary election, which is the culmination of the initial phase of the process, is set for December 13, 2025. During this election, cleared aspirants will compete for the APC’s governorship ticket, with delegates voting to select the party’s flagbearer. The primary election is expected to be a closely watched event, given the competitive nature of Osun State’s political landscape.
Official Campaign Period (March 11, 2026): Following the selection of the party’s candidate, the official campaign period will commence on March 11, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the public campaign phase, during which the APC’s governorship candidate will engage with voters across Osun State to canvass support ahead of the general election. The campaign period is expected to be vibrant, with candidates from various political parties intensifying efforts to win over the electorate.
Implications of the Form Costs and Concessions
The decision to peg the cost of the nomination and expression of interest forms at N50 million has generated mixed reactions. For many, the high cost underscores the increasing monetization of Nigeria’s political process, where financial capacity often determines who can participate in elections. Critics argue that such a steep price tag could discourage competent but less financially endowed aspirants from entering the race, thereby limiting the pool of candidates and potentially depriving the state of quality leadership. They also point out that the cost of forms could exacerbate the influence of money in politics, giving an advantage to candidates backed by wealthy sponsors or political godfathers.
On the other hand, APC leaders have justified the pricing, arguing that the governorship election is a high-stakes contest that requires significant resources to campaign effectively across Osun State. They contend that the cost of the forms is a necessary filter to ensure that only serious and committed aspirants participate in the primaries. Moreover, the party’s decision to offer concessions to women, persons with disabilities, and youths aged 25 to 40 has been hailed as a progressive move to promote inclusivity. By exempting women and PWDs from paying for the expression of interest form and offering a 50 percent discount to young aspirants, the APC is signaling its commitment to encouraging diversity in political participation.
The concessions for women and PWDs align with broader national and international calls for greater inclusion of marginalized groups in governance. In Nigeria, women have historically been underrepresented in elective positions, and the APC’s decision to waive the cost of the expression of interest form could encourage more women to vie for the governorship. Similarly, the exemption for PWDs is a step toward ensuring that individuals with disabilities have a fair shot at participating in the political process. The discount for youths aged 25 to 40 is particularly significant in a country with a youthful population, as it provides an opportunity for younger candidates to compete without facing the full financial burden of the nomination process.
Political Context of Osun State
Osun State, located in Nigeria’s southwest, is a politically dynamic region with a history of closely contested elections. The state has oscillated between different political parties over the years, with the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) being the dominant players in recent times. The 2022 governorship election, which saw the PDP’s Ademola Adeleke emerge victorious, highlighted the competitive nature of Osun’s politics. As the 2026 election approaches, the APC is keen to reclaim the state or solidify its position, depending on the outcome of the intervening political developments.
The APC’s early announcement of its timetable and form costs suggests a strategic approach to the 2026 election. By setting out a clear schedule, the party is positioning itself to avoid the internal wrangling and logistical challenges that have plagued primaries in the past. The inclusion of a membership update in the timetable is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates the party’s intent to strengthen its grassroots base and ensure that only verified members participate in the primary process. This move could help mitigate allegations of manipulation or imposition of candidates, which have been recurring issues in Nigerian politics.
Furthermore, the APC’s focus on inclusivity through concessions for women, PWDs, and youths could help the party appeal to a broader demographic. Osun State has a diverse population, and the governorship election is likely to be influenced by factors such as regional balance, ethnic considerations, and the ability of candidates to connect with voters across urban and rural areas. By encouraging a diverse pool of aspirants, the APC may be able to present a candidate who resonates with a wide range of voters, thereby improving its chances in the general election.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the APC’s timetable and pricing strategy provide a clear framework for the primary election, several challenges could arise as the process unfolds. One potential challenge is the risk of internal divisions within the party. The high cost of the forms could lead to dissatisfaction among aspirants who feel priced out of the race, potentially causing rifts that could weaken the party’s unity. Additionally, the screening process, while necessary, has the potential to generate controversies if aspirants perceive it as biased or unfair. The APC will need to ensure that the screening committee operates with transparency and impartiality to maintain the confidence of all stakeholders.
Another challenge is the broader political environment in Osun State. The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, and his PDP administration will likely mount a strong campaign to retain power, leveraging their achievements in office to sway voters. The APC will need to select a candidate who is not only popular within the party but also capable of appealing to the wider electorate. This will require strategic campaigning and a focus on issues that resonate with Osun residents, such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development.
On the opportunity side, the APC’s early preparations give it a head start in mobilizing its members and building momentum for the election. The concessions for women, PWDs, and youths could attract aspirants with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, potentially strengthening the party’s appeal. Moreover, the transparent timetable provides a clear path for aspirants and party members, reducing uncertainty and fostering a sense of purpose within the party.
Conclusion
The APC’s announcement of the N50 million cost for nomination and expression of interest forms, coupled with its detailed timetable for the 2026 Osun State governorship election, marks a significant step in the party’s preparations for the upcoming contest. While the high cost of the forms has sparked debate, the concessions for women, persons with disabilities, and youths demonstrate the party’s commitment to inclusivity. The timetable, with its clear milestones, reflects a strategic approach to ensuring a smooth and transparent primary election process.
As the APC moves forward with its plans, the focus will be on maintaining unity, managing internal dynamics, and selecting a candidate who can effectively challenge the incumbent administration. The 2026 governorship election in Osun State promises to be a closely watched contest, and the APC’s ability to navigate the complexities of the political landscape will be critical to its success. For now, the party has set the stage for what is likely to be a highly competitive and transformative electoral process.
