The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its roadmap for the 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election, outlining a comprehensive timetable that guides aspiring candidates and party members through the pre-election process. The schedule, released by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, meticulously details key dates and activities, commencing with the notification of the Ekiti State chapter on July 26, 2025, and culminating in the governorship primary election on October 1, 2025.
A critical component of the timetable is the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms, a crucial step for aspirants seeking the party’s ticket. The sale is slated to begin on August 26, 2025, and conclude on August 30, 2025. The forms carry a combined cost of ₦50 million, with the nomination form priced at ₦40 million and the expression of interest form at ₦10 million. However, the APC has incorporated provisions to encourage broader participation, particularly among women, youths, and persons with disabilities. Female aspirants and those with disabilities are exempt from paying for the nomination form, needing only to purchase the expression of interest form. Young aspirants aged 25 to 40 benefit from a 50% discount on the nomination form, significantly reducing the financial barrier to entry.
The party has emphasized the importance of membership status, stipulating that only registered members with at least three months of active membership prior to the timetable release are eligible to participate in the primaries. This criterion ensures that aspirants have a demonstrable commitment to the party and its ideals. The timetable also includes a period for updating the party’s membership register, ensuring a current and accurate record of eligible participants. This update process is scheduled to run from July 29 to August 9, 2025, providing ample time for members to confirm their status and rectify any discrepancies.
Following the purchase and submission of forms, which must be completed by September 11, 2025, a rigorous screening process will be conducted on September 23, 2025. The results of this screening will be published the following day, allowing aspirants to understand their standing and file appeals if necessary. The appeal window is set for September 25, 2025, providing a mechanism for redress and ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
The election of delegates, a crucial element in the primary election, will take place at the ward level on September 27, 2025. Any appeals arising from this ward congress will be addressed on September 29, 2025, further reinforcing the party’s commitment to due process. The culmination of these pre-election activities is the governorship primary election, scheduled for October 1, 2025. The final appeals related to the primary election will be concluded on October 2, 2025, marking the end of the internal selection process.
The APC’s comprehensive timetable sets the stage for a robust and competitive gubernatorial primary in Ekiti State. The staggered deadlines, clear guidelines on eligibility, and provisions for appeals create a framework that promotes transparency and inclusivity. By ensuring that aspirants adhere to the established procedures and meet the stipulated criteria, the APC aims to present a strong and unified front for the 2026 governorship election. The inclusion of concessions for women, youth, and persons with disabilities underscores the party’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity within its ranks. The detailed outline of the pre-election processes allows for proper planning and preparation, ensuring a smooth and well-managed selection process. The party encourages interested members to contact the Directorate of Organisation or refer to the provided contact information for further clarification and guidance. The delegate form, priced at ₦5,000, further allows broad participation in the delegate selection process.
