APC shifts presidential primary to May 23 as party revises 2027 election timetable

The National Working Committee (NWC) of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved its presidential primary election to May 23, following a revision of its 2027 election timetable.

The adjustment was announced in Abuja on Thursday by the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, after the NWC’s 186th meeting.

Meseko said the presidential primary, earlier scheduled for May 15, would now hold on Saturday, May 23, alongside other revised dates in the party’s electoral programme.

He added that the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for all elective offices would open on April 25 and close on May 2, while submission of completed forms is expected by May 4.

According to him, screening of aspirants across all levels — from state assemblies to the presidency — will take place between May 6 and May 9, with the presidential screening fixed for May 9. Results of the screening exercise are expected on May 11.

Meseko said the changes were necessary to align the party’s timetable with the amended Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that the revised schedule had been formally communicated to the electoral body.

He stressed that the nomination process remains open to all qualified party members nationwide, dismissing suggestions that access to forms had been restricted.

On the mode of primaries, Meseko said the APC would deploy both direct and consensus arrangements where appropriate, in line with electoral provisions. He noted, however, that any consensus must be freely agreed by aspirants and stakeholders, adding that where agreement fails, the party would revert to direct primaries.

He also said state chapters had been given discretion to determine the appropriate primary mode in their respective areas.

The APC further disclosed that its internal congresses in Zamfara State would begin on April 28, starting from ward level, followed by local government and state congresses. The process is expected to conclude by May 3, including appeal hearings.

Meseko assured party members that the updated national membership register, including new entrants, had been transmitted to INEC.

He said the party had completed key administrative and regulatory preparations ahead of the primaries.