APC Chairman Says Form Sale Shows Party’s Openness as Aspirants Target Tinubu and Governors

*TL;DR APC chairman Nentawe Yilwatda says the smooth sale of expression‑of‑interest forms demonstrates the party’s openness, even as candidates line up to challenge President Tinubu and sitting governors. No deadline extension is planned.*

Context The All Progressives Congress (APC) opened its expression‑of‑interest and nomination forms for the 2023/2024 election cycle at the Abuja Continental Hotel. The process allows any party member to purchase a form and declare intent to run for offices ranging from local council seats to the presidency. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) oversees the timeline and any changes to it.

Key Facts - Aspirants are freely buying forms to contest positions held by President Bola Tinubu, governors, senators and other incumbents, a sign the party permits intra‑party competition. - The sale has proceeded without complaints; banks have processed payments, staff have issued receipts, and feedback channels have reported no issues. - Chairman Yilwatda confirmed that the deadline for purchasing forms will not be extended at this stage. Any alteration would require formal approval from the NWC. - Yilwatda described the exercise as evidence of the APC’s organisational capacity and its founding principle of inclusion.

What It Means The unimpeded form purchase suggests the APC is allowing a broad field of candidates, which could fragment support for incumbent office‑holders and increase internal debate. Smooth logistics indicate the party’s administrative units are prepared for the upcoming nomination phase, reducing the risk of procedural disputes that have plagued other parties in past cycles. However, the decision not to extend the deadline may pressure late‑entering aspirants to miss the cut, potentially limiting the pool of challengers.

Looking ahead, the party’s next step is the nomination process, where candidates will be vetted and official tickets selected. Observers will watch whether the inclusive tone of the form sale translates into a competitive primary or whether party leadership steers outcomes toward established figures.