The All Progressives Congress (APC) has adjusted its timetable for the 2027 general elections, postponing its presidential and governorship primaries while maintaining alignment with the national electoral schedule.
Under the revised plan, the party’s presidential primary election, initially scheduled for May 15 and 16, will now take place on May 23, 2026. The governorship primaries have also been moved to May 21, 2026, as part of broader changes to the party’s internal processes.
Speaking after the 186th National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja, Deputy National Publicity Secretary Duro Meseko confirmed that several key activities, including aspirant screening and appeal processes, have been adjusted to fit the new timeline.
According to the updated schedule, the sale of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while completed forms must be submitted by May 4. Screening of aspirants across all positions including State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship, and presidential hopefuls will take place between May 6 and May 9.
Screening results are expected on May 11, followed by appeals from May 12 to May 13. Primary elections will then proceed in stages: House of Representatives primaries on May 15, Senate primaries on May 18, State Assembly primaries on May 20, governorship primaries on May 21, and the presidential primary on May 23.
Meseko explained that the revised timetable complies with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and the schedule released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He also noted that post-primary appeals will run between May 18 and May 25, depending on the category of election.
Beyond primaries, the APC also released a timetable for ward, local government, and state congresses in Zamfara State, beginning April 28, 2026. These processes will include screenings, elections, and appeals at various levels within a one-week period.
On the mode of primaries, the party reaffirmed its adoption of both direct and consensus methods, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act. Aspirants are allowed to choose their preferred method; however, where consensus fails, the party will automatically revert to direct primaries.
Meseko further dismissed speculation that nomination forms would be restricted to select individuals, insisting that the process remains open and transparent for all aspirants.
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Meanwhile, INEC has fixed January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027. Party primaries across political parties are expected to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with campaigns commencing in August and September respectively.
