The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, with nomination and expression of interest forms priced at a total of ₦50 million.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, the schedule kicks off with a formal notice to the Ekiti State chapter on Friday, July 26, 2025.

Sales of forms will begin on Monday, August 26, 2025, and close on Friday, August 30, 2025, the party announced.

Submission of completed forms and accompanying documents is due on or before Thursday, September 11, 2025.

“Screening of aspirants is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, while the publication of the screening results will be done the following day, Wednesday, September 24.”

“Aspirants who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the screening may submit appeals on Thursday, September 25, 2025,” the timetable read.

In a move aimed at promoting inclusivity, the APC announced several financial concessions.

The nomination form will cost ₦40 million, while the expression of interest form is priced at ₦10 million, bringing the total fee to ₦50 million for standard aspirants.

“Female aspirants and persons with disabilities are exempted from paying for the nomination form and are only required to purchase the expression of interest form. Youths aged 25 to 40 will receive a 50 percent discount on the nomination form,” the party stated.

The APC further outlined the rest of its pre-election timeline. Updating of the membership register for eligible voters in the primaries will take place from Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 9, 2025.

The ward congress to elect delegates is set for Saturday, September 27, with appeals to be heard on Monday, September 29.

The governorship primary election will hold on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and the appeal process will conclude on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

The party noted that all forms will be available at the Directorate of Organisation, APC National Headquarters in Abuja. The delegate form will cost ₦5,000.

Additionally, the APC reminded its members that only financially active members, those who have maintained valid membership for at least three months before the timetable’s release, will be eligible to participate in the process.

The party encouraged interested members to contact its Directorate of Organisation or use the contact number provided in the official notice for further guidance.

The Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure even more states in Northern Nigeria during the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, National Chairman of SWAGA, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, dismissed claims that the North has turned its back on the president’s re-election bid.

The event also marked the official launch of SWAGA 0.2, the second phase of the group’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the next polls.

Recent reports and political commentaries have suggested growing dissatisfaction in the North, with some alleging that the region has been sidelined by Tinubu’s administration despite playing a key role in his 2023 victory.

However, Adeyeye pushed back strongly on that narrative.

“Right now, I even see greater consensus for Asiwaju in the North. Who are the people saying that they will not vote for Asiwaju in the North? They are people who have no electoral value whatsoever. We don’t even know them. Some of them come on TVs and brag and brag, and say all sorts of things,” he said.

According to him, contrary to the perceived division, all APC governors in the North remain solidly behind President Tinubu, with even some opposition governors showing support.

“But what I see in the north right now is that I see all governors in the North particularly of the APC supporting Asiwaju fervently and being loyal to him. I even see governors of other parties in the North still supporting Asiwaju as well,” he said.

He described those spreading anti-Tinubu sentiments as “rabble-rousers” who lack real political influence in the region.

“Don’t let anybody fool you to say this time around the North has made up their mind, they will not vote for Asiwaju. It’s a lie.”

“This time around the North will even vote more, in a bigger way for Asiwaju’s second term ambition. I can assure you of that. Quote me and come back in 2027 after the election, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win more northern states this time around than before.”

Adeyeye also took issue with assumptions that the North votes as one bloc.

“There’s diversity of interest in the North, the North doesn’t have one interest. Just as it is in the South also; we do not have just one interest. Between the Southwest, South South and Southeast, there is diversity of interest,” he explained.

Highlighting the achievements of the Tinubu administration in its first two years, the former Minister of Works cited major reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, floating of the naira, the establishment of 11 new universities, and tax and capital market reforms.

“Tinubu floated the Naira and stopped the reckless printing of currency and corrupt borrowing through the unpopular ‘ways and means’ to defend it against the U.S Dollars, thus ensuring stability in its value with increased inflow of Foreign Direct Investment aided by confidence in Nigeria’s economy,” he said.

He added that Tinubu’s achievements demonstrate a level of leadership preparedness that is unmatched in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“We hereby make bold to say that since 1999 till date, no Nigerian president has come into office with the kind of preparation, vision and passion that President Tinubu has displayed. We are of the firm conviction that if a government in Nigeria has been able to achieve so much within just 2 years in office… then Nigerians are in for a better and brighter future.”

Also speaking at the event, SWAGA National Secretary and former lawmaker Bosun Oladele described the group as one of the most vibrant and principle-driven political movements in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“SWAGA carried out its campaign across the country in 2023 based on principles with no record of attacks and injuries,” he noted.

A former Minister of Police Affairs and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, has harshly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a national disaster worse than the widely condemned government of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking during an interview on Trust Television, Waziri expressed deep concern over what he termed a worsening state of governance in the country.

He warned that Nigeria is fast descending into deeper socio-economic and security crises under Tinubu’s leadership.

“If the Buhari government was a failure, the Tinubu government in the last two years is a disastrous catastrophe,” Waziri said.

“It has failed in all ramifications, and the country has regressed.”

He pointed to several indicators of failure, including escalating insecurity, deteriorating economic conditions, and what he described as rising corruption across various sectors.

“The economy is collapsing, ethnocentrism is at an all-time high, and insecurity continues to ravage many states,” he said.

According to Waziri, the country under President Tinubu has become increasingly fragile, polarised, and lacking in cohesive national direction.

He questioned the sincerity of those publicly supporting the Tinubu administration, particularly individuals from regions severely impacted by banditry and violent crime.

“I am surprised that people whose local governments are under the control of bandits can appear on national television to endorse this government,” he stated.

Waziri called for an honest, non-partisan evaluation of the government’s performance, urging Nigerians to look past “media appearances and staged endorsements.”

He noted that any administration responsible for such widespread decline across all sectors has no moral or political grounds to seek re-election.

Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has reaffirmed his commitment to clean and principled politics, stating that he has never participated in any form of electoral malpractice.

In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Obi maintained that his political career has been marked by peaceful conduct and integrity.

“Throughout my political journey, I have never been involved in thuggery, the snatching of ballot boxes, or any form of electoral malpractice,” Obi stated.

“I challenge anyone: conduct your investigations. You will find no stains of rigging or violence associated with my name.”

He added that he has always treated his political opponents fairly, avoiding any form of sabotage or coercion.

“Ask those who have contested against me, none were ever denied their rights, framed, or falsely accused,” he said.

“None was asked to place their advert materials or break the bank to do so. I believe in fair competition, not manufactured victories.”

Obi’s remarks come in response to ongoing public debate around his declaration that he would serve only one term if elected president.

He said the public reaction reveals a deep-rooted skepticism toward the possibility of honest leadership.

“I still find it baffling that my decision to do a term of four years, if given the mandate to rule this country, is generating so much agitation,” Obi wrote.

“By this feeling, we are doubting the fact that a sincere leader can achieve much in 48 months.”

He further addressed claims that he is driven by personal ambition, firmly stating that his desire to lead is rooted in national progress.

“I have never been desperate in the pursuit of power, or anything else, for that matter,” he said.

“What drives me is not personal ambition, but a deep commitment to see Nigeria work. And if the sacrifice required of me is four years of sincere, accountable leadership, so be it.”

Obi argued that even a single-term administration can bring significant reforms, particularly in fighting corruption, upholding the rule of law, and investing in critical sectors.

“In four years, we can confront corruption head-on, redirecting resources to priority areas,” he said.

“For instance, the trillions used to acquire new presidential jets and other unnecessary expenses at this time could have been channelled into education, healthcare, or infrastructure.”

He also stressed the need for governance built on transparency and legal principles.

“Within the same period, we ensure that the rule is sacrosanct and the rule of law is strictly followed. Within the same period, we can conduct free, fair and credible elections,” Obi added.

Concluding his statement, Obi reiterated his belief that leadership should be centered on service, not entitlement.

“Leadership, to me, is not about entitlement. It is about service,” he said.

“If given the mandate, for just one term, I will dedicate every moment to building a Nigeria that works for all.”