The race toward the 2027 general elections gathered pace on Tuesday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several high-profile governorship aspirants obtained their expression of interest and nomination forms from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The collection exercise, held at the Ladi Kwali International Conference Centre in Abuja, drew a flurry of political heavyweights from across the country, turning the venue into a hub of early campaign activity.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, James Abiodun Faleke, led the charge by collecting the presidential forms on behalf of Tinubu, following the payment of the N100 million nomination fee. Faleke, who played a similar role ahead of the 2023 elections, said the move reflected a collective effort by over 1,000 supporters.
“This is not about one individual. It is a joint effort by Nigerians who believe in the President’s leadership,” he said, expressing confidence that Tinubu would secure re-election in 2027.
Faleke also picked up nomination forms for Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who is eyeing the governorship, as well as Senator Idiat Adebule and himself for legislative seats.
In a parallel development, international entrepreneur Osifo Stanley formally entered the presidential race by collecting his own nomination forms, signaling a potential challenge to the incumbent.
Across the states, several notable aspirants also joined the contest. Senator Solomon Adeola (popularly known as Yayi) secured forms for the Ogun State governorship, while former Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar Adamu, picked up forms for the Nasarawa State race.
In Bauchi, Senator Shehu Buba personally obtained his nomination form, expressing optimism about unseating the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He described Bauchi as “naturally aligned” with the APC and pledged a turnaround if given the party’s ticket.
Similarly, Kashim Musa Tumsah entered the Yobe governorship race with backing from the Yobe First Movement. The former diplomat dismissed concerns about internal consensus arrangements, insisting that merit and track record should determine the party’s candidate.
“Leadership is about impact, not titles,” Tumsah said, adding that Yobe deserves the best possible leadership to drive development.
Meanwhile, APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, assured aspirants of a transparent and credible primary process, emphasizing the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
According to the party’s timetable, the sale of forms will continue until May 2, with submission closing on May 4. Screening of aspirants is scheduled between May 6 and May 9, while primary elections will run from May 15 to May 23, culminating in the presidential primary.
With key players already stepping forward, the APC’s nomination process signals the official start of what promises to be a fiercely contested 2027 election cycle.