APC Releases 2025 Bye-Election Timetable, Fixes Nomination Forms at ₦20 Million for Senate Aspirants

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially unveiled its timetable and pricing structure for the 2025 bye-elections, laying out key dates, requirements, and the costs associated with contesting various political positions under its platform. This development was confirmed on Monday in a detailed statement released by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu.

According to the timetable, aspirants aiming for a seat in the Senate will be required to pay a total of ₦20 million. This amount includes ₦3 million for the Expression of Interest Form and ₦17 million for the Nomination Form. For those eyeing a seat in the House of Representatives, the total cost has been pegged at ₦10 million—₦1 million for the Expression of Interest and ₦9 million for the Nomination Form.

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The cost for those interested in contesting positions in the State House of Assembly is considerably lower. They will need to pay ₦500,000 for the Expression of Interest Form and ₦1.5 million for the Nomination Form, amounting to a total of ₦2 million.

However, in a move aimed at fostering inclusiveness and representation, the APC has granted concessions to women and persons living with disabilities. These groups will only be required to purchase the Expression of Interest Form, while the Nomination Form will be issued to them free of charge.

Furthermore, young aspirants aged between 25 and 40 years will enjoy a 50% discount on the Nomination Form fees, a step that may encourage more youth participation in the political process.

Membership and Delegate Guidelines

To maintain the integrity of its internal electoral processes, the APC emphasized that only financial members who have consistently paid their dues—at least ₦200 per month for three consecutive months—will be eligible to serve as delegates during the primaries. The cost of delegate forms has been set at ₦5,000.

Additionally, only party members who have paid their dues for a full year up to July 2025 and whose names appear on the official membership register will be permitted to either contest or vote in the upcoming primaries.

Sulaiman Argungu reaffirmed the party’s commitment to conducting primaries that are lawful, transparent, and reflective of the party’s democratic values.

Key Dates in APC 2025 Bye-Election Timetable

The APC’s election schedule is both comprehensive and time-sensitive. Below are the key dates outlined in the party’s timetable:

• June 30 (Monday): Formal notice of election issued to state chapters.
• July 1 – 5: Membership revalidation exercise and the official commencement of form sales.
• July 7 (Monday): Final date for submission of completed nomination forms.
• July 10 (Thursday): Screening of aspirants by the party’s screening committee.
• July 22 – 26: Party primaries to be conducted across designated constituencies.
• July 26 (Saturday): Final list of candidates to be published.
• July 26 – August 14: Official campaign period for all cleared aspirants.
• August 16 (Saturday): Bye-elections will be held nationwide.

These dates mark a critical phase for both aspirants and party stakeholders as they prepare for competitive internal contests and a chance to secure electoral victories in the general bye-elections.

Commitment to Transparency and Compliance

In his statement, Argungu emphasized that the entire process—from the sale of forms to the primaries—will be carried out in strict adherence to the Electoral Act and the party’s internal guidelines.

“The party is committed to conducting transparent primaries that comply with the Electoral Act,” he stated.

This assurance comes amid growing calls from party members and civil society organizations for greater transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s internal party politics. With the APC’s dominant position at the national level, the outcome of these bye-elections could have a significant impact on the political landscape, particularly as preparations build towards the 2027 general elections.

Aspirants Begin Strategic Mobilization

As the timetable sets the stage for upcoming political contests, aspirants have already begun mobilizing support within their constituencies. From established politicians to first-time contenders, the race promises to be both competitive and consequential, with the APC positioning itself to consolidate power ahead of future national elections.

The coming weeks will reveal which candidates emerge from the primaries and how well the APC can manage its internal democratic process in the face of heightened political expectations.