APC Sued by Aspirant Over Denial of Nomination Forms

Alhaji Bayero Lawal, a presidential aspirant and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has initiated legal action against the party for allegedly denying him access to expression of interest and nomination forms during the recent presidential primaries. Lawal, a founding member of the APC, has also included the Presidential Screening Committee of the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in his suit, which is filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1020/2026.

The APC, led by President Bola Tinubu, waived the screening requirement for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 primaries, a decision made by the National Working Committee on May 6, 2026. Lawal's lawyer, Basil Kpenkpen, argues that the party's refusal to allow Lawal to obtain the necessary forms violates democratic principles.

In his originating summons, Lawal seeks seven reliefs, including a declaration that the mandatory payment of N100 million for the forms is illegal, asserting that the APC constitution guarantees his right to contest for the presidency.