Politics

The Price of APC Nomination Form and Interest Form for 2026: A Closer Look at Political Accessibility

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on January 22nd, 2026.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2026 general elections, the issue of the cost of nomination forms and interest forms has once again become a topic of widespread debate. The All Progressives Congress (APC), one of the country’s dominant political parties, has already set the price for individuals seeking to contest for various political offices. These prices, while not unexpected, have sparked conversations about the growing financial barriers to entering politics and whether they are fostering an inclusive or exclusive political environment.

The APC Nomination and Interest Forms Explained

Before delving into the specifics of the prices for the 2026 elections, it’s essential to understand what the APC nomination and interest forms represent. The interest form is a preliminary step that signals a prospective candidate’s intention to run for a specific office within the party. It is not the official entry form but serves as a declaration of interest.

The nomination form, on the other hand, is the main form that grants an individual access to the party’s primaries. To be officially considered as a candidate for a general election, an aspirant must purchase and submit this form, along with other necessary documentation. The cost of the nomination form is often seen as a financial commitment that shows the seriousness of the candidate’s intent.

Nomination Form Prices for the 2026 APC Elections

For the 2026 elections, the APC has set the following prices for its nomination and expression of interest forms:

Presidential Nomination Form: ₦100 million

Gubernatorial Nomination Form: ₦50 million

Senatorial Nomination Form: ₦20 million

House of Representatives Nomination Form: ₦10 million

State House of Assembly Nomination Form: ₦2 million

Additionally, interest forms for all categories typically range from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million, depending on the position. The price reflects the scale of the office and the expected costs associated with each campaign.

These prices represent a significant increase in comparison to previous election cycles, particularly for presidential and gubernatorial candidates. While the APC has defended the cost as a way of ensuring only serious and financially capable candidates vie for the party’s ticket, the move has drawn strong reactions from both the public and political analysts.

Why the High Cost of Nomination Forms?

The APC has explained that the fees for the nomination forms are necessary for several reasons:

Party Financing: The money raised from the sale of forms helps fund party activities, including the organization of primaries, campaigns, and administrative costs. In a country as vast as Nigeria, the logistical cost of conducting primaries for multiple positions across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is immense.

Filtering Serious Candidates: High nomination fees are also seen as a mechanism to ensure that only candidates with the financial backing, commitment, and seriousness are able to contest. According to APC leadership, this reduces the chances of having frivolous candidates who might dilute the integrity of the primaries.

Cost of Running for Office: The reality of running a political campaign in Nigeria is costly. The APC argues that the high cost of the nomination form reflects the financial demands of modern-day political campaigns, from logistics to media outreach, and that a candidate who can afford the form is likely to be able to finance their campaign effectively.

Logistics and Transparency in Primaries: As with all political parties, the APC needs substantial funds to ensure the smooth running of primaries, voting processes, and the delivery of election materials. The fees collected from nomination form sales are intended to cover these logistical costs.

Public Reaction: Accessibility and Inclusivity Concerns

The sharp rise in the price of APC nomination forms for the 2026 elections has elicited criticism from various quarters, particularly from civil society organizations, opposition parties, and individuals advocating for a more inclusive political system.

Economic Barriers: For many Nigerians, the high cost of nomination forms—especially for presidential and gubernatorial candidates—is seen as a significant deterrent to entry into politics. The argument is that only those with deep pockets, or those backed by wealthy sponsors, will be able to afford to run. This is viewed as excluding talented and capable individuals from poorer backgrounds, especially those from disadvantaged regions and younger Nigerians who may not have the financial means to afford the nomination form.

Youth and Gender Representation: The APC’s high fees are also raising concerns about youth and women’s participation in politics. Critics point out that the young population and women, who often face economic barriers to participation in politics, may be disproportionately affected by the cost. The call for more youth and female representation in Nigerian politics could be undermined if only wealthier candidates are able to afford the nomination forms.

Political Elitism and Corruption: Some critics argue that the high fees reinforce Nigeria’s political elitism, making politics even more of an exclusive domain for the rich. This, they argue, could lead to a cycle where only the wealthy are elected, further entrenching corruption and reducing accountability to the electorate. There are concerns that candidates who pay such high fees may feel compelled to recoup their investments by engaging in corrupt practices once in office.

Electoral Reforms: Many political analysts have called for reforms in how parties select their candidates. They suggest the introduction of more affordable nomination fees, or even a system where the costs of nomination forms are subsidized for underrepresented groups, such as youth and women.

What the Future Holds: Calls for Reform

While the APC has largely stood by its decision to maintain high fees for nomination forms, the growing backlash is hard to ignore. Some have called for electoral reforms to address the issue, particularly given the rising costs of election campaigns in Nigeria.

The calls for reform suggest the introduction of a tiered fee system that reflects the financial capacity of different candidates, or subsidies for those from underprivileged backgrounds. Some even advocate for the establishment of a reduced cost for certain categories, such as youth or women, to encourage broader political participation.

There is also a growing demand for the digitization of nomination processes, which would not only reduce costs but also increase transparency, ensuring that the selection process remains fair and open to all.

Conclusion: A Balance Between Party Needs and Political Inclusivity

The cost of APC nomination forms for the 2026 elections remains one of the most contentious issues in Nigerian politics. While the APC defends the fees as a necessary step for ensuring serious candidates and financing the logistical demands of the election process, critics argue that such high costs create economic barriers that hinder the participation of many capable Nigerians in the democratic process.

As the 2026 elections approach, the debate over the accessibility of political power in Nigeria is likely to continue. If the APC, and other political parties, are serious about fostering a more inclusive political system, it will be essential for them to find a balance between financing the party and ensuring that political participation remains open to all Nigerians, regardless of their financial background.