Aspirants besiege APC Abuja office, lament delay in nomination form sales as governors push for consensus
There is growing unease at the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja as aspirants reportedly thronged the party’s headquarters, expressing frustration over the delay in the sale of nomination forms.
The party had earlier scheduled the commencement of the sale of forms for Saturday, April 25, 2026, following a decision reached at its last National Working Committee (NWC) meeting. However, more than 72 hours later, the process has yet to begin, leaving many aspirants stranded and uncertain.
Some of the aspirants who gathered at the secretariat lamented the lack of communication from party officials, describing the situation as worrisome, especially as preparations for the forthcoming primaries intensify.
Sources within the party disclosed that no official account has been provided for the payment of nomination forms, further stalling the process.
Investigations indicate that the delay may be linked to ongoing consultations over the adoption of a consensus arrangement ahead of the primaries. Under this system, party leaders—particularly state governors—are expected to narrow down aspirants and endorse preferred candidates to avoid internal clashes.
It was also gathered that nomination forms may eventually be distributed through state governors, who would make them available to aspirants aligned with consensus decisions in their respective states.
A party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the Presidency is playing a dominant role in the unfolding process.
“The plan is to reduce friction before the primaries. Consensus candidates are being considered in many states, and governors are central to that arrangement,” the source said.
The APC is expected to conduct its primaries in the coming months ahead of the next general elections, with options including direct, indirect, and consensus methods as provided by law.
As uncertainty lingers, attention is now on the NWC, whose authority appears to be under scrutiny amid pressure from party stakeholders and aspirants demanding clarity and transparency.
