The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled its presidential primary election to May 23, 2026, from the earlier dates of May 15 and 16, as part of adjustments to its timetable for the 2027 general elections.
Fresh timetable announced
The update was announced by APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, after the party’s 186th National Working Committee meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
He said the revision affects key stages, including screening, appeals, and primary elections across all levels.
“We now have a new revised timetable in accordance with the Constitution… the Electoral Act 2026, and INEC’s schedule,” Meseko said.
Screening, forms timeline adjusted
According to the new schedule, sale of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms will close on May 4.
Screening of aspirants for various positions will hold between May 6 and May 9, with presidential screening fixed for May 9.
Publication of screening results is scheduled for May 11, while appeals will be heard between May 12 and May 13.
Primary elections schedule
The party outlined dates for its primaries across positions, beginning with House of Representatives on May 15, followed by Senate on May 18, and State House of Assembly on May 20.
Governorship primaries will hold on May 21, while the presidential primary has now been moved to May 23.
Post-primary appeals will follow between May 18 and May 25, depending on the position.
Mode of primaries clarified
Meseko said the APC will adopt both direct and consensus methods for its primaries, in line with the Electoral Act.
“Aspirants are free to decide their preference… where consensus fails, it automatically reverts to direct primaries,” he explained.
He also dismissed claims that nomination forms would be restricted, insisting they are open to all interested aspirants.
Zamfara congress timetable released
The party also released a separate timetable for ward, local government, and state congresses in Zamfara State, scheduled to begin on April 28.
The process will include screening, elections, and appeals across different levels of party structure.
INEC timeline in focus
The adjustments come as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state assembly polls set for February 6.
INEC also stated that party primaries must be conducted between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
The revised APC timetable is now a key development in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.