APC Postpones Presidential, Governorship Primaries

The All Progressives Congress on Thursday in Abuja moved its presidential primary election from May 15 and 16 to May 23, 2026, while the governorship primaries were rescheduled for May 21, as the ruling party adjusted its timetable for activities ahead of the 2027 general election.

The changes were announced after the 186th National Working Committee meeting of the party, where officials reviewed the earlier schedule and approved a revised timetable covering the sale of nomination forms, screening of aspirants, appeals and primary elections.

Under the new arrangement, the sale of forms will begin on April 25 and end on May 2, while completed forms are to be returned by May 4. The party also retained dates for screening exercises beginning May 6, with presidential aspirants expected to be screened on May 9.

The revised schedule also fixed May 15 for House of Representatives primaries, May 18 for Senate primaries and May 20 for State House of Assembly primaries before the governorship and presidential contests later in the month.

Party officials said the shift was made to align with constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act and the election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The APC also announced dates for post-primary appeals, which will begin after each primary election and run through May 25 for the presidential category.

Alongside the revised primary schedule, the party released a timetable for ward, local government and state congresses in Zamfara State, with activities expected to begin on April 28. The congresses will cover screenings, elections and appeals for party executive positions at different levels.

The party also confirmed it would use both direct primary and consensus methods in choosing candidates for various offices. According to party officials, aspirants may adopt consensus where there is agreement, but contests will move to direct primaries where consensus fails.

The APC leadership also dismissed reports suggesting nomination forms would be reserved for selected aspirants, insisting all interested party members remain free to obtain forms and participate in the process.

The new schedule comes as political parties prepare for a busy primary season ahead of the 2027 elections. INEC has fixed January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly polls will follow on February 6.

The electoral commission had earlier set April 23 to May 30, 2026, as the window for party primaries and settlement of disputes arising from them, while campaign activities are expected to begin later in the year.

The latest adjustment by the APC is expected to shape preparations within the ruling party as aspirants position themselves for key contests in the months ahead.