The race for the 2027 presidency officially kicked off on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took the first formal step toward a second term by picking up the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.
The move signals a consolidated front within the ruling party, positioning the incumbent as the clear frontrunner for the party’s ticket.
The ₦100 Million Handover
The high-stakes forms were picked up at the APC National Headquarters by Hon. James Faleke, the federal lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, who acted as a proxy for the President.
The National Organising Secretary of the party, Sulaiman Argungu, officially presented the documents to Faleke following the verified payment of ₦100 million—the standard fee set by the party for the expression of interest and nomination forms.
A Dual Victory for the “Lagos Blueprint”
In a strategic move that highlights the party’s internal alignment, Faleke did not pick up the form for the President alone. He also secured the nomination form for Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the incumbent Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
- Consensus Strategy: The pick-up suggests that the APC has reached a consensus in key regions, particularly Lagos, where Hamzat is now positioned as a primary candidate for the 2027 cycle.
- Symbolic Representative: James Faleke’s involvement is significant; he has long been a trusted lieutenant of the President and a key coordinator for his political movements.
Mark Your Calendars: The 2027 Roadmap
With the forms now in hand, the countdown to the general elections has begun. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already outlined the critical dates for the 2027 polls:
| Election Type | Scheduled Date |
| Presidential & National Assembly | February 20, 2027 |
| Governorship & State Assembly | March 6, 2027 |
The Political Climate
The timing of this move—nearly a year ahead of the actual polls—is designed to show strength and deter intra-party opposition. By picking up the forms early and as a “consensus” figure, the Tinubu camp aims to streamline the primary process and focus immediately on the general campaign.
Key Takeaways for Voters:
- Early Mobilization: The APC is moving faster than its rivals to secure its internal structure.
- Continuity Agenda: The President is running on a platform of completing the reforms initiated during his first term.
- Financial Bar: The ₦100 million price tag remains a point of discussion among the public, reflecting the high financial entry barrier for top-tier Nigerian politics.