The All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with internal discord over the escalating expenses associated with contesting elections within the party. The fees for expression of interest and nomination forms have witnessed a steady increase since the party’s inception in 2014.

Initially set at N27.5 million for presidential and N5 million for governorship forms in 2014, these costs surged to N45 million and N22.5 million, respectively, in 2019. In the latest development, the fees skyrocketed to N100 million for presidential and N50 million for governorship forms in 2023.

Criticism is mounting within the APC ranks, with prominent members urging the party leadership to curtail the rising costs for the 2027 elections. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of transparency in accounting for the substantial revenue generated from the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms in the lead-up to the 2023 elections.

Salihu Mohammed Lukman, a former national vice chairman (North West) of the APC, voiced his apprehensions in a recent statement, predicting that by 2027, the party might demand N250 million for the presidential race and N125 million for governorship contests.

Lukman expressed dismay over what he perceives as the APC’s diminishing democratic principles, a stark departure from the expectations that surrounded the party’s emergence in 2015.

The APC’s national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed Lukman’s claims, labeling them as speculative. Morka emphasized that the issue of the cost of forms for the next elections remains speculative until the party officially decides, hinting that the fees might be subject to review.

Offering insights into the persistent trend of escalating fees, Professor Kari, a Political Sociology expert at the University of Abuja, attributed it to the APC’s status as the ruling party. He highlighted the assumption that securing the APC ticket translates to electoral success, a notion he argued could hinder democratic participation.

In contrast, Chief Chekwas Okorie, an elder statesman and former presidential candidate, contended that major parties like the APC impose high charges due to the substantial expenses involved in running the party.

As the internal debate ensues, all eyes are on the National Working Committee (NWC) for its decision on the nomination fees for the 2027 elections.