APC Picks Direct Primary for 2027 Presidential Race

The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has approved direct primary as the method for choosing the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. The decision means registered party members across the country will vote directly to decide who will fly the APC flag in the presidential election.

The development was announced on Thursday as preparations for the party’s presidential primary continue to gather momentum. President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking another term in office, and Edo State businessman Osifo Stanley are currently the two known aspirants who have obtained the party’s presidential nomination forms.

Under the direct primary system, party members from different states are expected to participate in the voting process instead of leaving the decision to a small group of delegates. The method is expected to create internal competition within the ruling party ahead of the election season.

President Tinubu on Thursday formally submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered the documents on behalf of the president during the submission exercise.

Before the submission, a member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, had earlier collected the nomination forms for Tinubu at the party headquarters earlier in the week. The move confirmed the president’s readiness to seek re-election under the APC platform in 2027.

Osifo Stanley, an APC chieftain from Edo State, had also publicly declared his intention to contest the party’s presidential ticket after purchasing the N100 million nomination forms. His entry into the race is expected to create an internal contest within the party despite Tinubu’s position as the incumbent president.

The adoption of direct primary comes as political parties across the country continue to prepare for the next general election. The APC leadership believes the process will allow party members to take part directly in selecting the party’s candidate for the presidential poll.

Political activities within the ruling party have continued to increase in recent weeks, with consultations, endorsements and preparations already taking place ahead of the primaries. The decision by the APC leadership is also expected to shape discussions within opposition parties as the 2027 election draws closer.