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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the sale of nomination forms for the Anambra State gubernatorial election, setting the total cost for Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at N50 million. The party also released a detailed timetable for the election, which is scheduled to hold on November 8, 2025, in compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The announcement, made by the APC National Organizing Secretary, His Excellency Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, OFR, outlines the schedule of activities leading to the election, including the sale of forms, screening of aspirants, delegate congresses, and the primary election. The party also introduced concessions for female aspirants, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and youth aspirants aged 25 to 40.
According to the released guidelines, the Expression of Interest Form costs N10 million, while the Nomination Form is priced at N40 million, bringing the total cost to N50 million. However, the APC has introduced special provisions to encourage inclusivity. Female aspirants and Persons with Disabilities are required to purchase only the Expression of Interest Form (N10 million), as the Nomination Form will be provided free of charge. Youth aspirants within the age bracket of 25 to 40 will enjoy a 50% discount on the Nomination Form, reducing their total cost to N30 million (N10 million for Expression of Interest and N20 million for Nomination).
The forms will be available for purchase at the APC National Headquarters in Abuja, starting from Monday, February 10, 2025, until Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Payments are to be made directly into designated bank accounts provided by the party.
The APC has outlined a comprehensive timetable to ensure a smooth and transparent process leading to the election. Key dates include the Notice of Election to the State Chapter, which was issued on Monday, February 3, 2025. The update of the membership register will commence on Monday, March 3, 2025, and close on Tuesday, March 24, 2025. Only members whose names appear on the register and are up-to-date in paying their membership dues will be eligible to vote or be voted for.
The sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms will run from Monday, February 10, to Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Completed forms must be submitted by Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The screening of aspirants will take place on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8, 2025, with the results published on Monday, March 10, 2025. Aspirants who wish to appeal the screening results can do so on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 11–12, 2025.
The Delegates Congress is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2025, with an appeal process set for Thursday, April 3, 2025. The primary election will hold on Saturday, April 5, 2025, followed by an appeal period on April 6–7, 2025. The final list of nominated candidates will be submitted to the National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday and Friday, May 8–9, 2025. The commencement of campaigns and the final day of campaigns will be announced later, with the grand finale set for November 6, 2025.
The APC also announced that delegate forms will be sold at N5,000 each. Only financial members of the party who have paid their dues for at least three months before the delegate congress will be eligible to participate in the election of delegates. Membership dues are set at N200 per month.
In his statement, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu emphasized the party’s commitment to conducting a transparent and inclusive process. “The APC is dedicated to ensuring that all aspirants, regardless of gender, age, or ability, have a fair chance to participate in the democratic process,” he said. “We encourage all eligible members to take advantage of the opportunities provided and to adhere to the guidelines and timelines.”
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from political analysts and stakeholders. While some have praised the APC for its efforts to promote inclusivity through concessions for women, youth, and PWDs, others have criticized the high cost of the nomination forms, arguing that it could discourage qualified candidates from participating.
As the race for the Anambra governorship heats up, all eyes will be on the APC and other political parties to see how they navigate the electoral process and present candidates capable of addressing the state’s challenges.
