Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the last few days has witnessed an upsurge in activities at the Abuja Continental Hotel, venue for the sale of forms for the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants.
Our correspondents report that hundreds of aspirants arrived accompanied by large groups of supporters, creating a herculean task for security operatives at the entrance as supporters tried to force their way in.
Party supporters and praise singers have also stationed themselves in the hall while newsmen push to interview the various aspirants arriving to collect their forms.
APC National Chairman,Prof Nentawe Yilwatda while monitoring the exercise, expressed satisfaction with the process saying the turnout was expected.
“As we know, our party is one of the most democratic political parties in Nigeria,” Yilwatda said.
“As you can see, people are streaming in and buying forms freely without restriction. The fact that individuals have picked forms to challenge the sitting President and sitting Governors shows the level of democracy we have.
“The number of people coming to contest under our banner tells us that the APC is the most acceptable party in Nigeria.”
He continued: “We haven’t encountered any challenges. The banks have been efficient, our staff are conducting clearances, and receipts are being issued promptly. We have also been monitoring social media for complaints and have seen none. When it comes to quality of service, the APC is one of the best in terms of providing for our members.”
Observers say the APC is raking in millions of naira in the ongoing sale of forms for aspirants seeking elective positions under the banner of the party.
Our correspondent reports that the party had earlier released the price list for both Expression of Interest and nomination forms.
According to the party’s guidelines, aspirants for the state House of Assembly will pay N1 million for Expression of Interest and N5 million for nomination forms.
Aspirants for House of Representatives will pay N1million and N9 million for expression of interest and nomination forms respectively. While those for the Senate will pay N3 million and N17 million for the two forms.
Aspirants for the governorship are to pay N10 million for expression of interest and N40 million for nomination forms.
For the presidential, interested aspirants are to pay N30 million for expression of form and N70 million for the nomination forms.
Daily Trust reports that the sale of forms, originally scheduled to end last Friday, was extended to today due to the Workers’ Day public holiday.
Although the exact number of forms purchased has not yet been officially released, sources within the party hierarchy confirmed that two individuals—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Edo-born businessman Stanley Osifo—have picked up presidential forms at the cost of ₦100 million each.
The source noted that as of Wednesday night, approximately 34 governorship aspirants had purchased forms at ₦50 million each and over 200 aspirants for the House of Representatives and Senate had reportedly picked their forms.
(Daily Trust)
