APC Shifts Presidential, Governorship Primaries in Revised Timetable

APC Shifts Presidential, Governorship Primaries in Revised Timetable

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled its presidential and governorship primaries, adjusting key dates in its build-up to the 2027 general elections.

Under the new timetable released on Thursday, the party’s presidential primary, earlier fixed for May 15 and 16, will now hold on May 23, 2026, while the governorship primaries have been moved to May 21.

The changes were announced in Abuja by the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, at the end of the 186th meeting of the National Working Committee.

Meseko said the adjustments also affect the screening of aspirants and the handling of appeals, noting that the revised schedule aligns with the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“We now have a revised timetable in accordance with the law and the schedule released for the 2027 elections,” he said.

According to the updated plan, the sale of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, while the submission deadline has been fixed for May 4.

Screening of aspirants for various positions, including State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and governorship will take place between May 6 and May 8, with presidential aspirants scheduled for screening on May 9.

The party said results of the screening exercise will be released on May 11, followed by appeals from May 12 to May 13.

Primaries for the House of Representatives, Senate and State Houses of Assembly will hold on May 15, May 18 and May 20 respectively, before the governorship and presidential contests on May 21 and May 23.

Meseko added that post-primary appeals have also been scheduled across the different categories, ending with the presidential appeals on May 25.

Beyond the primaries, the party also released a timetable for ward, local government and state congresses in Zamfara State, set to begin on April 28, alongside screening and appeals processes for party executives.

On the mode of primaries, the APC said it would adopt both direct and consensus options as provided in the Electoral Act, allowing aspirants to choose their preferred approach.

“Where consensus works, it stands. But where it is rejected, it automatically reverts to direct primaries,” Meseko explained, dismissing claims that nomination forms would be restricted to select individuals.

He assured party members that the process remains open to all aspirants seeking elective offices under the party’s platform.

The timetable adjustment comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission prepares for the 2027 polls, with presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections set for February 6.

INEC has also fixed the window for party primaries and dispute resolution between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while campaign activities are expected to commence later in the year.