The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a significant adjustment to its timetable and schedule of activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists after its NWC meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Deputy National Publicity Secretary Duro Meseko said the changes were made to ensure compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and the revised guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Under the updated timetable, the presidential primary, initially fixed for May 15, will now hold on Saturday, May 23. Dates for other elective positions have also been revised.
The party confirmed that expression of interest and nomination forms are open to all members seeking elective positions. Meseko explained that the sale of forms will begin on April 25 and end on May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms is set for May 4.
Screening of aspirants, from the House of Assembly to the presidency, will take place between May 6 and May 9. Presidential aspirants will be screened on May 9, with results for all categories to be released on May 11.
Primary elections will commence with the House of Representatives on May 15, followed by the Senate on May 18, State Houses of Assembly on May 20, and governorship primaries on May 21. The process will conclude with the presidential primary on May 23.
Meseko dismissed claims that nomination forms are restricted, stating: “I am here to inform all party faithful and aspirants that expression of interest and nomination forms for all aspirants seeking offices under the All Progressives Congress are open.”
On the mode of primaries, he said the NWC approved both direct and consensus options, in line with the Electoral Act, stressing that consensus must have the agreement of all aspirants.
“Where there is consensus and an aspirant does not agree, it automatically reverts to direct primaries. The consensus option must be agreed to by all aspirants; if not, the consensus option reverts to direct primaries,” he said.
The committee also addressed party affairs in Zamfara State, announcing that ward, local, and state congresses will begin on April 28 and conclude with appeals by May 3.
Meseko added that the updated membership register, including new members, has been successfully submitted to INEC, noting that the party is fully prepared for the upcoming primaries.