Hon. James Faleke has obtained the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for President Bola Tinubu, marking the official start of the president’s re-election bid for the 2027 general elections.

The forms were picked up on Tuesday at the Abuja Continental Hotel by a delegation from the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Faleke paid ₦100 million for the forms on behalf of Tinubu.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.

INEC also fixed party primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will start on September 9, 2026.

Meanwhile, the APC has released its timetable for the elections. Sale of forms runs from April 25 to May 2, with submission closing on May 4, 2026. Screening of aspirants is scheduled for May 6 to May 9, while appeals will hold from May 12 to May 13.

Primary elections will take place between May 15 and May 23, 2026, covering all elective positions.

The party also outlined fees for aspirants, with presidential forms costing ₦30 million for Expression of Interest and ₦70 million for Nomination. Discounts were announced for women, youths, and persons with disabilities.

The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the top leadership body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, has endorsed Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The endorsement followed a meeting of party leaders held at the governor’s office in Alausa, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu publicly supported Hamzat, describing him as the best man for the job.

At the meeting, Sanwo-Olu symbolically raised Hamzat’s hand, a gesture that was applauded by party leaders present.

Speaking afterward at Lagos House, Marina, GAC Chairman Tajudeen Olusi confirmed that the council had unanimously agreed on Hamzat’s candidacy.

He added that members of the council have pledged their full support for the deputy governor.

Sanwo-Olu also revealed that party leaders have resolved to contribute funds to purchase Hamzat’s nomination form ahead of the election.

The development comes amid ongoing discussions about potential contenders for the APC governorship ticket in Lagos.

However, former governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran had earlier stated that no official decision had been made on a preferred aspirant, noting that he would abide by the party’s final position when announced.

The Senate Leader and Chairman of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has expressed strong confidence in Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership, stating that his performance has brought meaningful development to the state.

Bamidele made this known on Monday during the official flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and BAO governorship campaign, held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti. The event attracted a large crowd of party supporters and stakeholders.

According to him, Governor Oyebanji has been able to positively impact the lives of Ekiti residents because he understands what true development requires. He described the governor as “a round peg in a round hole,” emphasizing that his leadership style fits the needs of the state.

He also assured the people of Ekiti that the forthcoming governorship election would focus on meaningful discussions and ideas, rather than being driven by hate speech or negative politics.

“We have progressed as a people because we have a governor who understands development. He is a unifier and a humble leader who can do even more if given another opportunity,” Bamidele said.

The campaign event was attended by several prominent political figures, including the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Isaac Kekemeke; Director General of the Ekiti Campaign Council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi; and former governors Kayode Fayemi, Ayo Fayose, Niyi Adebayo, and Segun Oni.

Also present were Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Hon. Femi Bamisile, Senator Ayo Arise, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, members of the National and State Assemblies, as well as other key APC stakeholders.