APC Shifts Presidential Primary to May 23 Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially rescheduled its presidential primary election from May 15 and 16 to May 23, 2026, as part of adjustments to its timetable for the 2027 general elections.
The Bureau News reports that the party also fixed its governorship primaries for May 21, 2026, in line with the revised schedule.
The announcement was made by the APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, at the end of the party’s 186th National Working Committee meeting held in Abuja.
Revised Schedule for Primaries and Screening
According to Meseko, the party has also adjusted the timeline for screening aspirants and other key activities.
Sales of nomination forms will now run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms is expected to close on May 4, 2026.
Screening of aspirants for various elective positions will take place between May 6 and May 8, with presidential aspirants scheduled for screening on May 9, 2026.
The publication of screening results is slated for May 11, while appeals arising from the screening process will be addressed between May 12 and May 13.
Updated Primary Election Dates
The revised timetable outlines the following primary election dates:
- House of Representatives – May 15, 2026
- Senate – May 18, 2026
- State House of Assembly – May 20, 2026
- Governorship – May 21, 2026
- Presidential – May 23, 2026
Meseko noted that post-primary appeals will be conducted on staggered dates between May 18 and May 25, depending on the category of election.
Modes of Primaries and Party Assurance
The APC reaffirmed its adoption of both direct and consensus modes of primaries, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026.
Meseko explained that while consensus candidates may emerge where agreed upon, any disagreement among aspirants would automatically trigger direct primaries.
He also dismissed speculation that nomination forms would be restricted, assuring that all aspirants have equal access.
“Nomination forms for all aspirants seeking offices under the APC are available for all and not reserved for any individual,” he said.
INEC Election Timeline
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 hold on February 6, 2027.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.
The Bureau News understands that party primaries across all political parties are expected to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, in line with INEC guidelines.
