The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially rescheduled its presidential and governorship primaries as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, signaling a strategic adjustment to align with Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The party announced that its presidential primary election will now hold on May 23, 2026, while governorship primaries are set for May 21, 2026. The decision was disclosed by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, following the 186th National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held in Abuja.
Revised APC Primary Election Timetable
According to Meseko, the updated schedule complies with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2026, as well as guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Key dates in the revised timetable include:
April 25 – May 2, 2026: Sale of nomination forms
May 4, 2026: Deadline for submission of completed forms
May 6 – May 8, 2026: Screening of aspirants for National and State offices
May 9, 2026: Presidential aspirants
Screening
May 11, 2026: Publication of screening results
May 12 – May 13, 2026: Appeals process
Sequence of APC Primaries
The APC also outlined the sequence for its primary elections:
House of Representatives: May 15, 2026
Senate: May 18, 2026
State House of Assembly: May 20, 2026
Governorship: May 21, 2026
Presidential Primary: May 23, 2026
The presidential primary had earlier been scheduled for May 15 and 16 but was shifted to allow better coordination with other electoral activities.
Direct and Consensus Primaries Approved
The party reaffirmed its adoption of both direct and consensus methods for candidate selection, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026. Aspirants are permitted to choose their preferred method.
Meseko clarified that where consensus arrangements fail to produce agreement among contestants, the process will automatically revert to direct primaries, ensuring transparency and inclusiveness.
He also dismissed speculation that nomination forms would be restricted, emphasizing that all interested aspirants are eligible to purchase forms, reinforcing internal party democracy.
INEC Election Schedule for 2027
Meanwhile, INEC has released the official timetable for the 2027 general elections:
Presidential & National Assembly Elections: January 16, 2027
Governorship & State Assembly Elections: February 6, 2027
Campaign timelines are as follows:
Presidential/National Assembly campaigns: Begin August 19, 2026
Governorship/State Assembly campaigns: Begin September 9, 2026