By Ibrahim Muhammad
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reviewed and adjusted its timetable for activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, including a new date for its presidential primary.
Speaking after the committee’s meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, said the changes were made to align with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and updated guidelines from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Under the revised schedule, the APC presidential primary, initially slated for May 15, will now take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Dates for other primary elections were also amended.
Meseko announced that the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for all elective offices would begin on Saturday, April 25, and close on Saturday, May 2, while completed forms must be submitted by Monday, May 4.
He added that the screening of aspirants for all positions, from State Houses of Assembly to the presidency, would hold between May 6 and May 9. Screening for presidential hopefuls is fixed for May 9, while results of the screening exercise will be released on May 11.
According to the new timetable, House of Representatives primaries will hold on May 15, Senate primaries on May 18, State House of Assembly primaries on May 20, governorship primaries on May 21, and the presidential primary on May 23.
The party also dismissed claims that nomination forms would be restricted, stressing that all qualified party members are free to obtain forms and contest for elective offices under the APC.
On the mode of primaries, Meseko said the party approved both direct and consensus options in line with the Electoral Act. However, he noted that consensus can only stand if all aspirants agree, otherwise the process will automatically revert to direct primaries.
He further disclosed that state chapters have been empowered to decide which mode to adopt for their primaries.
The NWC also announced a schedule for congresses in Zamfara State, with ward, local government, and state congresses beginning on April 28 and concluding with appeals by May 3.
Meseko added that the party’s updated membership register, including new members, has already been submitted to INEC, declaring the APC fully prepared for the coming primaries.
